Wearable electronic device

ABSTRACT

A consumer product that is a portable and, in some cases, a wearable electronic device. The wearable electronic device may have functionalities including: keeping time; monitoring a user&#39;s physiological signals and providing health-related information based on those signals; communicating with other electronic devices or services; visually depicting data on a display; gather data form one or more sensors that may be used to initiate, control, or modify operations of the device; determine a location of a touch on a surface of the device and/or an amount of force exerted on the device, and use either or both as input.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a nonprovisional patent application of and claimsthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/044,974, filedSep. 2, 2014 and titled “Wearable Electronic Device and AssociatedMethods of Use and Manufacture,” the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The following disclosure generally relates to an electronic device, andmore specifically to a wearable electronic device having a range offeatures, including touch input, force input, an interchangeableattachment system, health monitoring functionality, wireless powercharging, wireless authentication and transaction functionality, andother features and functionality.

BACKGROUND

Portable electronic devices have become increasingly popular, and thefeatures and functionality provided by portable electronic devicescontinue to expand to meet the needs and expectations of many consumers.However, some traditional portable electronic devices, particularlywearable electronic devices, may have relatively limited functionalityor are only able to perform a specialized set of functions or tasks. Forexample, some traditional electronic wristwatches may be configured toperform a relatively limited set of functions, including displayingtime, date, and performing basic timing functions. The embodimentsdescribed herein are directed to a wearable electronic device thatprovides a wide range of functionality, as compared to some traditionalwearable electronic devices.

SUMMARY

The embodiments included herein are directed to a consumer product,which may include a portable or wearable electronic device that isconfigured to provide an expansive feature set integrated orincorporated into a compact form factor. In some aspects of the presentdisclosure, a consumer product may integrate or combine multiplesubsystems into a single device to provide a wide range offunctionality, including biometric sensing, touch-based user input,near-field communications, and other desirable features. In someaspects, multiple subsystems are integrated into the relatively compactspace of a wrist-worn device.

Some example embodiments are directed to wearable electronic devicehaving a housing that includes a flat bottom portion, a top portiondefining a cavity, and a curved side portion that extends from thebottom portion to the top portion. A band may be attached to the housingand configured to secure the wearable electronic device to a user. Adisplay may be at least partially disposed within the cavity and mayhave a viewable area. The device may also include a cover disposed abovethe display and including a flat middle portion larger than the viewablearea of the display, a curved edge portion surrounding the flat middleportion and coinciding with the curved side portion along a perimeter ofthe cavity to form a continuous contoured surface.

In some embodiments, the continuous contoured surface is tangent withthe flat bottom portion of the housing at a first end of the contour.The continuous contoured surface may also be tangent with the flatmiddle portion of the cover at a second end of the contour. In someembodiments, the continuous contoured surface has a constant radius.

In some embodiments, the cavity has a rectangular shape. The curved edgeportion of the housing may have four sides that surround the cavity,each side is orthogonal to two adjacent sides. Each side may beconnected to an adjacent side by a rounded corner. In some embodiments,the rounded corners have a curvature that corresponds to a curvature ofthe continuous contoured surface formed by the curved edge portion ofthe cover and the curved side portion of the housing.

Some embodiments include a crown module that is positioned at leastpartially within an aperture formed within the curved side portion ofthe housing. The crown module may include an outer surface configured toreceive a rotary user input. The crown module may be offset with respectto a centerline of the housing between the top portion and the flatbottom portion. The offset may be toward the top portion of the housing.The crown module may include a dial having a portion that is higher thanan interface between the cover and the housing.

In some example embodiments, a port is formed in the curved side portionof the housing. An acoustic module may be disposed within the housingand configured to produce an audio output through the port. The acousticmodule may include an acoustic element and an acoustic cavity thatacoustically couples the acoustic element to the port. The port mayinclude an orifice that is offset with respect to the acoustic cavity toprevent the direct ingress of liquid into the acoustic module.

In some embodiments, the device includes a gasket positioned between thehousing and the cover. The housing may also include a ledge formed alonga perimeter of the cavity. The gasket may be positioned along the ledgethat is formed along the perimeter of the cavity. The gasket, the cover,and the housing may be configured to cooperate to form a substantiallywater-proof seal.

In some example embodiments, the device includes a biosensor module thatis disposed in an opening formed in the flat bottom portion of thehousing. The biosensor module may include a chassis positioned in theopening of the housing and defining an array of windows. An array oflight sources may be attached to the chassis and configured to emitlight into the user through the array of windows. The biosensor modulemay also include an optically transparent rear cover disposed over thechassis and over the array of windows and operative to pass lightemitted from the array of light sources into the user. In someembodiments, the rear cover has a convex outer contour.

Some example embodiments are directed to an electronic device having ahousing comprising a bottom portion defining an opening and a bandattached to the housing and configured to secure the electronic deviceto a user. A biosensor module may be disposed within the opening of thehousing. A rear cover may be disposed over the biosensor module and mayinclude an edge protruding outwardly from the bottom portion of thehousing and an outer surface having a convex curved contour. In someembodiments, the outer surface of the rear cover defines one or morewindows that provide operational access to one or more opticalcomponents of the biosensor module. The one or more windows may have acurvature that matches the convex curved contour of the outer surface.

In some embodiments, the biosensor module includes an array of lightsources that are configured to emit light into a body of the user. Thebiosensor module may also include a photodetector configured to receivelight produced by a light source of the array of light sources that isreflected from the body and produce a sensor signal. In some cases, thebiosensor module is removably coupled to the housing.

In some embodiments, the device also includes a processing unitconfigured to compute a health metric associated with the user based onthe sensor signal. The device may also include a display disposed withinthe housing and configured to display the health metric.

Some example embodiments are directed to a wearable electronic device,having a housing including a top portion, a cavity formed within the topportion, and a curved side portion that surrounds the cavity. The devicemay also include a transparent cover disposed over the cavity of thehousing and may include a flat middle portion at a center of thetransparent cover, a curved outer portion that emanates from andsurrounds the flat middle portion and extends outwardly to an edge ofthe transparent cover, and a mask positioned relative to an internalsurface of the transparent cover. The mask may have an outer boundarylocated proximate to the edge of the transparent cover and an innerboundary located within the curved outer portion of the transparentcover.

In some embodiments, the device includes a display disposed below thetransparent cover. A perimeter portion of a viewable area of the displaymay be disposed below the mask. The device may also include an antennahaving a shape that corresponds to a shape of the cavity formed withinthe housing. The antenna may be disposed in a groove formed in theinternal surface of the transparent cover. The groove may be formedbetween the outer boundary and the inner boundary of the mask. In someembodiments, the cover is formed from a sapphire material. The antennamay be configured to facilitate wireless communication between thewearable electronic device and an external device.

Some example embodiments are directed to an electronic device having ahousing including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, afirst side extending between the first and second ends, and a secondside opposite to the first side and extending between the first andsecond ends. The first end may define a first groove extending betweenthe first and second sides and may be configured to receive a first lugportion of a first band. The second end may define a second grooveextending between the first and second sides and may be configured toreceive a second lug portion of a second band. The first and secondgrooves may have an inwardly curved concave shape with an undercutfeature that retains the first and second lug portions. In someembodiments, the first groove extends through a solid portion of thehousing to form a continuous interior shape.

In some embodiments, the device includes a display at least partiallydisposed within a cavity of the housing. A cover may be disposed abovethe display and at least a portion of the first groove is disposed belowthe cover. The first and second grooves may be formed at an angle withrespect to a centerline of the housing. The first and second grooves maybe angled upward toward a top of the housing and inward toward thecenter of the housing. The first and second grooves may cross thecenterline of the housing.

Some example embodiments are directed to a wearable electronic deviceincluding a housing and a band attached to the housing and configured tosecure the wearable electronic device to a user. A crown may be disposedrelative to the housing and configured to receive a rotational input. Anencoder may be operatively coupled to the crown and configured toproduce an encoder output that corresponds to the rotational input. Aspeaker module may be disposed within the housing and configured toproduce an audio output that corresponds to the encoder output. A hapticdevice may be disposed within the housing and configured to produce ahaptic output that corresponds to the encoder output. In someembodiments, the haptic output is synchronized with the audio output.The crown may be further configured to translate along an axis andactuate a tactile switch.

In some embodiments, the device also includes a display element withinthe housing. The device may be configured to display a list of items onthe display element and scroll the list of items in response to theencoder output. The device may also be configured to synchronize theaudio and haptic outputs with the scrolling of the list of items. Insome embodiments, the crown is further configured to translate along anaxis and actuate a tactile switch. The crown may be operative to selectan item of the list of items when the tactile switch is actuated.

Some example embodiments are directed to a wearable electronic devicehaving a housing that includes a bottom portion and an aperture formedin the bottom portion. A band may be attached to the housing andconfigured to secure the wearable electronic device to a user. Abiosensor module may be disposed in the aperture of the housing. Thebiosensor module may include an array of light sources configured toemit light into a body of the user, and a photodetector configured toreceive light produced by a light source of the array of light sourcesthat is reflected from the body and produce a sensor signal. The devicemay also include a processing unit that is configured to compute ahealth metric associated with the user based on the sensor signal. Adisplay may be disposed within the housing and configured to display thehealth metric.

In some embodiments, the array of light sources and the photodetectorare configured to function as multiple photoplethysmography (PPG)sensors. Each PPG sensor may be configured to be used to compute aseparate health metric. In some embodiments, a first light source of thearray of light sources includes a green LED adapted to detect bloodperfusion in the body. A second light source of the array of lightsources may include an infrared LED adapted to detect water content ofthe body. The health metric may include one or more of: a heart rate, arespiration rate, a blood oxygenation level, and a blood volumeestimate.

In some embodiments, the device also includes at least one pair ofelectrodes disposed on an exterior surface of the housing. The at leastone pair of electrodes may be configured to produce a signal when the atleast one pair of electrodes is in contact with the body. In some case,the signal is used to compute an additional health metric that includesone or more of: a heart function, a body fat estimate, and a body fatestimate.

Some example embodiments are directed to a wearable electronic deviceincluding a housing and a band attached to the housing and configured tosecure the wearable electronic device to a user. The device may alsoinclude an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed within thehousing, the array of LEDs being configured to emit light. Aphotodetector may be disposed within the housing and configured toreceive light produced by an LED of the array of LEDs that is reflectedfrom a body of the user and produce a first sensor signal in response tothe received light. The device may also include at least one pair ofelectrodes disposed on an exterior surface of the wearable electronicdevice. The electrodes may be configured to produce a second sensorsignal when the electrodes are in contact with a respective portion ofthe body. The device may also include a processing unit that isconfigured to compute one or more health metrics based on the first andsecond sensor signals. The device may also include a display disposed atleast partially within the housing and configured to display the one ormore health metrics.

Some example embodiments are directed to a wearable electronic deviceincluding a housing and a band attached to the housing and configured tosecure the wearable electronic device to a user. A cover may be disposedrelative to the housing and a display may be attached to a lower surfaceof the cover. A force sensor may be positioned between the cover and thehousing and attaching the cover to the housing. The force sensor may beconfigured to detect the force of a touch on the cover. The force sensormay also form a barrier to prevent ingress of liquid into the wearableelectronic device. In some embodiments, an antenna may be disposedrelative to the cover and external from the housing. The antenna may beconfigured to facilitate wireless communication with an external device.

In some example embodiments, a wearable electronic device may include ahousing and a band attached to the housing and configured to secure thewearable electronic device to a user. A display element may bepositioned within the housing and a rechargeable battery may be disposedwithin the housing and operatively coupled to the display element. Thedevice may also include a receive coil within the housing configured toinductively couple with an external transmit coil. A power conditioningcircuit may be configured to recharge the rechargeable battery usingpower received by the receive coil. The power conditioning circuit maybe configured to provide power to the display element. The device mayalso include a first alignment magnet positioned within the receive coiland configured to align the device with respect to a second alignmentmagnet positioned within the external transmit coil.

Some example embodiments are directed to a wearable electronic devicethat includes a housing and a band attached to the housing andconfigured to secure the wearable electronic device to a user. A covermay be positioned relative to the housing and a display may be disposedwithin the housing and below the cover. A force sensor may be disposedwithin the housing and configured to detect a force of a touch on thecover. A touch sensor may be disposed between the display and the cover.The touch sensor may be configured to detect a location of the touch onthe cover. In some embodiments, the force sensor is disposed along aperimeter of the display. The device may also include a processing unitand memory disposed within the housing. The processing unit may beconfigured to interpret a touch gesture on a surface of the cover usinga force output from the force sensor and a touch output from the touchsensor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements.

FIG. 1 depicts an example wearable electronic device having a devicebody and band.

FIG. 2 depicts an example schematic diagram of a wearable electronicdevice.

FIG. 3 depicts an example functional diagram for a wearable electronicdevice.

FIG. 4 depicts an example wearable electronic device as part of a systemof devices.

FIG. 5 depicts a system of interchangeable components for a wearabledevice.

FIG. 6 depicts an example wearable electronic device having a devicebody and band.

FIG. 7 depicts an exploded view of components of an example wearableelectronic device.

FIG. 8 depicts an example housing for a wearable electronic device.

FIG. 9 depicts an example force sensor configured to use a capacitivemeasurement.

FIGS. 10A-B depict plan views of example force sensors.

FIG. 11 depicts an example force sensor configured to use a resistivemeasurement.

FIG. 12 depicts an example pixelated force sensor configured to use aresistive measurement.

FIGS. 13A-B depict example force sensor structures.

FIGS. 14A-C depict an example touch sensor based on mutual capacitance.

FIGS. 15A-B depict an example touch sensor based on self capacitance.

FIG. 16 depicts an example device having biosensors.

FIG. 17 depicts an example device having wireless communications with anexternal device.

FIG. 18 depicts an example electronic device and example dock of aninductive charging system.

FIG. 19 depicts a block diagram of an example inductive charging system.

FIG. 20 depicts an example acoustic module.

FIGS. 21A-B depict an example cover and antenna.

FIGS. 22A-B depict an example haptic module.

FIG. 23 depicts an example device having a crown module with an encoder.

FIGS. 24A-B depict an example device having a crown module with atactile switch.

FIGS. 25A-C depict an example receiving feature for a band.

FIG. 26 depicts example elements of a display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Provided herein are descriptions and examples of a consumer product,which may include a portable electronic device, a wearable electronicdevice, or other type of device. By way of example and not by way oflimitation, the consumer product may be an electronic device, amechanical device, or an electromechanical device. Specific exampledevices include mobile phones, personal digital assistants, musicplayers, timekeeping devices, health monitoring devices, tabletcomputers, laptop computers, glasses (electronic or otherwise), portablestorage devices, and the like.

In one particular embodiment, the consumer product is a portable and,more specifically, a wearable consumer product. A wearable consumerproduct is one that can be worn by or otherwise secured to a user. Forexample, the consumer product may be a wearable electronic deviceincluding, but not limited to, a wearable computer, a wearable watch, awearable communication device, a wearable media player, a wearablehealth monitoring device, and the like. A wearable consumer product maybe worn by a user in a variety of ways. In some examples, the consumerproduct is a wrist-worn product and may include a band that can bewrapped around a user's wrist to secure the consumer product to theuser's body. The device may include one or more other types ofattachments including, for example, an armband, lanyard, waistband,chest strap, and the like.

Some aspects of the disclosure are directed to a wearable electronicdevice having improved functionality and/or versatility as compared tosome traditional wearable devices. For example, some aspects of thedisclosure are directed to a consumer product, such as a portableelectronic device, having an expansive feature set integrated orincorporated into a compact form factor. In some aspects of the presentdisclosure, a consumer product may integrate or combine multiplesubsystems into a single device to provide a wide range offunctionality, including biometric sensing, touch-based user input,near-field communications, and other desirable features. In someaspects, multiple subsystems are integrated into the relatively compactspace of a wrist-worn device. Some aspects of the following disclosureare directed to the integration of a variety of subsystems or modules toprovide functionality that may not be possible using some traditionaldevice platforms. In some cases, the configuration and/or functionalityprovided by the various subsystems may be configurable by the end user,the manufacturer, and/or a vendor of the device. Example subsystems ormodules of a consumer product and their respective functions aredescribed below with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3.

Some aspects of the disclosure are directed to a consumer product thatis configured to communicate wirelessly with any of a number of otherdevices, such as a mobile phone, computer, tablet computing devices,personal media players, televisions, networked home appliances,networked home controls, electronic systems in vehicles, and so on.Through wireless communication with other devices, the consumer productmay transmit and/or receive various notifications, messages, or otherinformation between devices. The wireless communication may alsofacilitate the relay of alerts or other device outputs to notify theuser of an event or action. In some aspects, the consumer product maycommunicate wirelessly with any of a number of electronic accessories,including headset devices, portable speaker devices, portable microphonedevices, display screens, and so on. An example communication system isdescribed below with respect to FIG. 4 and with respect to otherexamples provided herein.

In some aspects, the consumer product may include a system ofinterchangeable components used to attach or secure the consumer productto the user. The system of interchangeable components may include a setof interchangeable bands or attachment devices that are configured toconnect or attach to a receiving feature on the body of the product. Thereceiving feature may be standardized within the system ofinterchangeable components and allow multiple types of bands orattachment devices to be used with the same housing or body. The systemof interchangeable components may also allow for an interchange betweendifferent bodies, which may include different types of electronicdevices or other consumer products. Each body of the different devicesor products may have a similar receiving feature that is standardizedwithin the system of interchangeable components. An example system ofinterchangeable components is described below with respect to FIG. 5 andwith respect to other examples provided herein.

Some aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a consumerproduct that includes a body that includes a case or housing used toprotect as well as support the internal components of the product intheir assembled position. The housing may enclose and support variouscomponents, including, for example, integrated circuits, subsystems,modules, and other internal components of the device. In some aspects,the housing forms a water-resistant or water-proof barrier and alsoprovides structural rigidity necessary to protect internal components.The housing may be formed as a single piece, which may enhance thestructural rigidity, water impermeability, and manufacturability of thehousing. An example housing and example internal components for aconsumer product are provided below with respect to FIGS. 6-8 and withrespect to other examples provided herein.

In some aspects, the consumer product includes a force sensor that isconfigured to detect and measure the magnitude of a force or pressure ona surface of the product. In some implementations, the force sensorincludes a capacitive-based sensor that is configured to estimate theforce based on a deflection or movement between capacitive plates thatis caused by and correlates to the amount of force caused by a touch. Insome implementations, the force sensor is a resistance- or charge-basedsensor that is configured to estimate the force based on the deflectionof a sheet or film that is positioned relative to the touch-sensitivesurface of the product. In some implementations, the output from theforce sensor is combined with the output from a touch sensor, which maybe self-capacitive or mutually capacitive, or a combination of the two.Example force and touch sensors are described below with respect toFIGS. 9-15B and with respect to other examples provided herein.

In some aspects, the consumer product includes one or more biosensors.The biosensors may include optical and/or electronic biometric sensorsthat may be used to compute one or more health metrics. Example healthmetrics include, without limitation, a heart rate, a respiration rate,blood oxygenation level, a blood volume estimate, blood pressure, or acombination thereof. In some embodiments, the biosensors include anelectrical sensor that may be used to measure electrocardiographic (ECG)characteristics, galvanic skin resistance, and other electricalproperties of the user's body. An example consumer product havingmultiple biosensors is described below with respect to FIG. 16 and withrespect to other examples herein.

In some aspects, the consumer product is configured to perform wirelesscommunication with an external device. In some implementations, thewireless communication may include a Near Field Communication (NFC)interface. The NFC interface may be used to identify the device andinitiate a secure data connection, which may be used to authorizetransactions, purchases, or conduct other forms of e-commerce. Anexample consumer product having wireless communications with an externaldevice is described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 17 andwith respect to other examples herein.

In some aspects, the consumer product is configured to recharge aninternal battery using a wireless charging system. In someimplementations, the consumer product includes one or more receivinginductive coils that are configured to cooperate with one or moretransmitting inductive coils that are located in a charging dock orother external device. The wireless charging system may allow thetransfer of power and/or wireless communications with the consumerproduct without the use of an external port or terminal connection. Anexample consumer product having wireless charging capabilities isdescribed in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 18-19 and withrespect to other examples herein.

In some aspects, the consumer product includes one or more acousticmodules that are configured to function as a speaker and/or a microphonefor the product. The speaker and/or microphone may include features thatenhance the water/liquid resistance or impermeability of the consumerproduct. The consumer product may also include a haptic module oractuator that is configured to produce a haptic output that may beperceived by the user. In some implementations, the output of anacoustic module, such as a speaker, and the haptic module may be used toprovide feedback or an alert to the user. In some cases, an acousticmodule and the haptic module provide feedback to the user and may becoordinated with a user input, such as user-interface selecting,user-interface scrolling, or other user input command. An exampleacoustic module is described below with respect to FIG. 20 and anexample haptic module is described below with respect to FIGS. 22A-B.

In some aspects, the consumer product includes a dial or crown that iscoupled to an encoder or other rotary sensor for detecting a rotaryinput. In some implementations, the output from the optical encoder isused to drive an aspect of a user interface or control otherfunctionality of the product. Additionally, the dial or crown mayinclude a tactile switch that can be actuated by pressing inward on thedial or crown. An example consumer product having a crown is describedbelow with respect to FIGS. 23-24B and with respect to other examplesherein.

The description that follows includes sample devices, components,modules, systems, methods, and apparatuses that embody various elementsof the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that variouselements of the described disclosure may be combined and/or practiced ina variety of forms in addition to those described herein. In particular,the modules and components are described in a particular combinationwith respect to some examples provided below. However other combinationsare possible, which may be achieved by adding, removing, and/orre-arranging modules to obtain a device or system having the desiredcharacteristics.

FIG. 1 depicts a wearable consumer product 10. For example, the consumerproduct 10 may be a wearable electronic device. In one example, theconsumer product 10 may be a wearable multifunctional electronic deviceincluding multiple functionalities such as time keeping, healthmonitoring, sports monitoring, medical monitoring, communications,navigation, computing operations, and/or the like. The functionalitiesmay include but are not limited to: keeping time; monitoring a user'sphysiological signals and providing health-related information based onthose signals; communicating (in a wired or wireless fashion) with otherelectronic devices or services, which may be different types of deviceshaving different functionalities; providing alerts to a user, which mayinclude audio, haptic, visual and/or other sensory output, any or all ofwhich may be synchronized with one another; visually depicting data on adisplay; gathering data form one or more sensors that may be used toinitiate, control, or modify operations of the device; determining alocation of a touch on a surface of the device and/or an amount of forceexerted on the device, and using either or both as input; acceptingvoice input to control one or more functions; accepting tactile input tocontrol one or more functions; capturing and transmitting images; and soon. These and other functions and features will be described in moredetail herein.

The wearable consumer product 10 can take a variety of forms. In oneexample, the consumer product 10 may be a wrist-worn electronic device.The device may include a variety of types of form factors including,wristbands, armbands, bracelets, jewelry, and/or the like.

In the illustrated embodiment, the consumer product 10 includes a devicebody 11. The device body 11 may include a housing that carries, enclosesand supports both externally and internally various components(including, for example. integrated circuit chips and other circuitry)to provide computing and functional operations for the consumer product10. The components may be disposed on the outside of the housing,partially within the housing, through the housing, completely inside thehousing, and the like. The housing may, for example, include a cavityfor retaining components internally, holes or windows for providingaccess to internal components, and various features for attaching othercomponents. The housing may also be configured to form a water-resistantor water-proof enclosure for the body 11. For example, the housing maybe formed from as a single unitary body and the openings in the unitarybody may be configured to cooperate with other components to form awater-resistant or water-proof barrier.

Examples of components that may be contained in the device body 11include processing units, memory, display, sensors, biosensors,speakers, microphones, haptic actuators, batteries, and so on. In somecases, the device body 11 may take on a small form factor. In cases suchas these, the components may be packaged and/or in order to provide themost functionality in the smallest space. The components may also beconfigured to take up a minimal amount of space, which may facilitatethe device body 11 having a small form factor. Additionally, theintegration and assembly of the various components may be configured toenhance the reliability of the consumer product 10.

The construction of the housing of the device body 11 may be widelyvaried. For example, housing may be formed from a variety of materialsincluding plastic, rubber, wood, silicone, glass, ceramics, fibercomposites, metal or metal alloys, (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum),precious metals (e.g., gold, silver), or other suitable materials, or acombination of these materials.

Also in the illustrated embodiment, the wearable electronic deviceincludes a band 12 or strap or other means for attaching to a user. Theband 12 may, for example, be configured to attach to the body andprovide a loop for securing to the wrist of the user. The band 12 may beintegral with the housing or it may be a separate part. If integral, theband 12 may be a continuation of the housing. In some cases, theintegral band may be formed from the same material as the housing. Ifthe band 12 is separate, the band may be fixed or releasably coupled tothe housing. In both cases, the band 12 may be formed from similar ordifferent materials as the housing. In most cases, the band 12 is formedfrom a flexible material such that it can conform to a user's body.Furthermore, the band 12 itself may be a single integral part or it mayinclude attachment ends that provide an open and closed configuration.The attachment ends may, for example, be manifested as a clasp or othersimilar attachment mechanism or device. This particular configurationallows a user to open the band 12 for placement on the arm and close theband 12 in order to secure the band and body to the arm. The band 12 maybe widely varied. By way of example, they may be formed from rubber,silicone, leather, metal, mesh, links and/or the like.

FIG. 2 depicts an example schematic diagram of a wearable electronicdevice. By way of example, device 100 of FIG. 2 may correspond to theconsumer product 10 shown in FIG. 1. To the extent that multiplefunctionalities, operations, and structures are disclosed as being partof, incorporated into, or performed by device 100, it should beunderstood that various embodiments may omit any or all such describedfunctionalities, operations, and structures. Thus, different embodimentsof the device 100 may have some, none, or all of the variouscapabilities, apparatuses, physical features, modes, and operatingparameters discussed herein.

As shown in FIG. 2, the device 100 includes one or more processing units102 that are configured to access a memory 104 having instructionsstored thereon. The instructions or computer programs may be configuredto perform one or more of the operations or functions described withrespect to the device 100. For example, the instructions may beconfigured to control or coordinate the operation of a display 120, oneor more input/output components 106, one or more communication channels108, one or more sensors 110, a speaker 122, a microphone 124 and/or oneor more haptic feedback devices 112.

The processing units 102 of FIG. 2 may be implemented as any electronicdevice capable of processing, receiving, or transmitting data orinstructions. For example, the processing units 102 may include one ormore of: a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signalprocessor (DSP), or combinations of such devices. As described herein,the term “processor” is meant to encompass a single processor orprocessing unit, multiple processors, multiple processing units, orother suitably configured computing element or elements.

The memory 104 can store electronic data that can be used by the device100. For example, a memory can store electrical data or content such as,for example, audio and video files, documents and applications, devicesettings and user preferences, timing and control signals or data forthe various modules, data structures or databases, and so on. The memory104 can be configured as any type of memory. By way of example only, thememory can be implemented as random access memory, read-only memory,Flash memory, removable memory, or other types of storage elements, orcombinations of such devices.

In the schematic diagram of FIG. 2, the one or more input components 106are represented as a single item within the schematic diagram. However,input components 106 may represent a number of different inputcomponents, including buttons, switches, and dials for accepting userinput, and so on. More specifically, the input components 106 maycorrespond to the buttons, dials, crowns or other devices for receivinginput. Generally, the input components 106 are configured to translate auser-provided input into a signal or instructions that may be accessedusing instructions executed on the processing units 102. In the presentexample, the input components 106 may include the hardware configured toreceive the user input (e.g., button, switch, crown, and encoder) whichis operatively coupled to circuitry and firmware used to generatesignals or data that are able to be accessed using processorinstructions. Each input component 106 may include specialized circuitryfor generating signals or data and, additionally or alternatively,circuitry and firmware for generating signals or data may be sharedbetween multiple input components 106. In some cases, the inputcomponents 106 produce user-provided feedback for application-specificinput that corresponds to a prompt or user interface object presented ondisplay 120. For example, the crown (item 642 of FIG. 6) may be used toreceive rotational input from the user, which may be translated into aninstruction to scroll a list or object presented on the display 120. Theinput components 106 may also produce user input for system-leveloperations. For example the input components 106 may be configured tointeract directly with hardware or firmware being executed on the device100 for system-level operations, including, without limitation, poweron, power off, sleep, awake, and do-not-disturb operations.

As shown in FIG. 2, the device 100 may also include one or more acousticelements, including a speaker 122 and a microphone 124. The speaker 122may include drive electronics or circuitry and may be configured toproduce an audible sound or acoustic signal in response to a command orinput. Similarly, the microphone 124 may also include drive electronicsor circuitry and is configured to receive an audible sound or acousticsignal in response to a command or input. The speaker 122 and themicrophone 124 may be acoustically coupled to respective ports oropenings in the housing that allow acoustic energy to pass, but mayprevent the ingress of liquid and other debris. As shown in FIG. 2, thespeaker 122 and microphone 124 are also operatively coupled to theprocessing units 102, which may control the operation of the speaker 122and microphone 124. In some cases, the processing units 102 areconfigured to operate the speaker 122 to produce an acoustic output thatcorresponds to an application or system-level operation being performedon the device 100. In some cases, the speaker 122 is operatively coupledto other modules, including, for example, input components 106, such asa crown or button. In some implementations, the device 100 is configuredto produce an audible output that corresponds to the operation of thecrown or buttons using the speaker 122. The microphone 124 may beconfigured to produce an output or signal in response to an acousticstimulus. For example, the microphone 124 may be operatively coupled tothe memory 104 and may be configured to record audio input, includinghuman speech, music, or other sounds. In some cases, the microphone 124may be configured to receive voice signals, which may be interpreted asvoice commands by the processing units 102.

The one or more communication channels 108 may include one or morewireless interface(s) that are adapted to provide communication betweenthe processing unit(s) 102 and an external device. In general, the oneor more communication channels 108 may be configured to transmit andreceive data and/or signals that may be interpreted by instructionsexecuted on the processing units 102. In some cases, the external deviceis part of an external communication network that is configured toexchange data with wireless devices. Generally, the wireless interfacemay include, without limitation, radio frequency, optical, acoustic,and/or magnetic signals and may be configured to operate over a wirelessinterface or protocol. Example wireless interfaces include radiofrequency cellular interfaces, fiber optic interfaces, acousticinterfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, infrared interfaces, USB interfaces,Wi-Fi interfaces, TCP/IP interfaces, network communications interfaces,or any conventional communication interfaces.

In some implementations, the one or more communications channels 108 mayinclude a dedicated wireless communication channel between the device100 and another user device, such as a mobile phone, tablet, computer,or the like. In some cases, output, including audio sounds or visualdisplay elements, are transmitted directly to the other user device foroutput to the user. For example, an audible alert or visual warning maybe transmitted to a user's mobile phone for output on that device.Similarly, the one or more communications channels 108 may be configuredto receive user input provided on another user device. In one example,the user may control one or more operations on the device 100 using auser interface on an external mobile phone, table, computer, or thelike.

Additionally, as described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 17,the communications channels 108 may include a Near Field Communication(NFC) interface. The NFC interface may be used to identify the deviceand initiate a secure data connection, which may be used to authorizetransactions, purchases, or conduct other forms of e-commerce.

As shown in FIG. 2, the device 100 also includes one or more sensors 110represented as a single item within the schematic diagram. However, thesensors 110 may represent a number of different sensors, includingdevices and components that are configured to detect environmentalconditions and/or other aspects of the operating environment. Examplesensors 110 include an ambient light sensor (ALS), proximity sensor,temperature sensor, barometric pressure sensor, moisture sensor, and thelike. Thus, the sensors 110 may also be used to compute an ambienttemperature, air pressure, and/or water ingress into the device. In someembodiments, the sensors 110 may include one or more motion sensors fordetecting movement and acceleration of the device 100. The one or moremotion sensors may include one or more of the following: anaccelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, or other type of inertialmeasurement device.

The device 100 also includes one or more biosensors 118 and may includeoptical and/or electronic biometric sensors that may be used to computeone or more health metrics. As described in more detail below withrespect to FIG. 16, one or more of the biosensors 118 may include alight source and a photodetector to form a photoplethysmography (PPG)sensor. The optical (e.g., PPG) sensor or sensors may be used to computevarious health metrics including, without limitation, a heart rate, arespiration rate, blood oxygenation level, a blood volume estimate,blood pressure, or a combination thereof. One or more of the biosensors118 may also be configured to perform an electrical measurement usingone or more electrodes. The electrical sensor(s) may be used to measureelectrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics, galvanic skin resistance,and other electrical properties of the user's body. Additionally oralternatively, one or more of the biosensors 118 may be configured tomeasure body temperature, exposure to UV radiation, and otherhealth-related information.

The device 100 may also include one or more haptic devices 112. Thehaptic device 112 may include one or more of a variety of haptictechnologies such as, but not necessarily limited to, rotational hapticdevices, linear actuators, piezoelectric devices, vibration elements,and so on. In general, the haptic device 112 may be configured toprovide punctuated and distinct feedback to a user of the device. Moreparticularly, the haptic device 112 may be adapted to produce a knock ortap sensation and/or a vibration sensation. As shown in FIG. 2, thehaptic device 112 may be operatively coupled to the processing unit 102and memory 104. In some embodiments, the haptic device 112 may bedirectly controlled by the processing unit 102. In some embodiments, thehaptic device 112 may be controlled, at least in part, by the operationof an input component 106, including, for example, a button, dial,crown, or the like. The operation of the haptic device 112 may also bepaired or linked to the operation of one or more other output devices,including, for example, the display 120 or the speaker 122.

As shown in FIG. 2, the device 100 may include a battery 114 that isused to store and provide power to the other components of the device100. The battery 114 may be a rechargeable power supply that isconfigured to provide power to the device 100 while it is being worn bythe user. The device 100 may also be configured to recharge the battery114 using a wireless charging system. Accordingly, in some cases, thedevice may include a wireless power module 116 that may be configured toreceive power from an external device or dock. The wireless power module116 may be configured to deliver power to components of the device,including the battery 114. The wireless power module 116 and an externalcharging station or dock may also be configured to transmit data betweenthe device and a base or host device. In some cases, the wireless powermodule 116 may interface with the wireless charging station or dock toprovide an authentication routine that is able to identify specifichardware, firmware, or software on the device in order to facilitatedevice maintenance or product updates. A more detailed description of anexample wireless charging station is provided below with respect toFIGS. 18-19.

The device 100 may include a variety of other components, including forexample, a camera or camera modules. The camera may be configured tocapture an image of a scene or subject located within a field of view ofthe camera. The image may be stored in a digital file in accordance withany one of a number of digital formats. In some embodiments, the device100 includes a camera, which includes an image sensor formed from acharge-coupled device (CCD) and/or a complementarymetal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) device. The camera may also include oneor more optical components disposed relative to the image sensor,including, for example, a lens, an filter, a shutter, and so on.

FIG. 3 depicts functional elements of the device 100, in accordance withsome embodiments. In particular, FIG. 3 depicts the inputs that may bereceived and outputs that may be produced on an example device 100. Byway of example, the device 100 may correspond to the devices shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the device 100 may include a forceinput 302 that may be produced using a force sensor that is configuredto detect and measure the magnitude of a force of a touch on a surfaceof the device. The force input 302 may include a non-binary output thatis generated in response to a touch. For example, the force input 302may include a range of values or analog value that corresponds to theamount of force exerted on a surface of the device. Additionally oralternatively, the force input 302 may include binary (e.g., on, off)output in response to the force of a touch. The force input 302 may beused to control various aspects of the device. For example, the forceinput 302 may be used to control an aspect, such as a cursor or itemselection on a user interface presented on the display of the device.The force input 302 may also be used to control the audio output 308,haptic output 312, and other functionality of the device. The forceinput 302 may also be used to distinguish between different types ofinput from the user. For example, a light touch from the user may beinterpreted as a scroll command and used to index or scroll through alist of items on the display. A harder touch from the user may beinterpreted as a selection or confirmation of an item on the display. Insome embodiments, the force input 302 is used to distinguish anintentional touch from the user from an incidental or accidental touchthat may be ignored.

As shown in FIG. 3, the device 100 may also include a touch input 306that may be produced using a touch sensor that is configured to detectand measure the location of a touch on a surface of the device. In someimplementations, the touch sensor is a capacitive-based touch sensorthat is disposed relative to the display or display stack of the device.The touch sensor may be a separate non-integrated sensor relative to theforce sensor. In alternative embodiments, the touch sensor may also bephysically and/or logically integrated with the force sensor to producea combined output. The touch input 306 may be used to control variousaspects of the device. For example, the touch input 306 may be used tocontrol an aspect of the user interface presented on the display of thedevice. The touch input 306 may also be used to control the audio output308, haptic output 312, and other functionality of the device.

In some cases, the logical integration of the force input 302 and thetouch input 306 enhances the versatility or adaptability of device 100by enabling a more sophisticated user interface than is currentlyavailable on some traditional wearable devices. In particular, the forceinput 302 and the touch input 306 may be combined to interpret a widerrange of gestures and input commands than may be possible using, forexample, only a touch input. For example, the force input 302 mayprovide a magnitude of a force of a touch, which may be used todistinguish between two touch input commands that have a similarlocation or gesture path. An improved touch interface using both forceinput 302 and touch input 306 may be particularly advantageous wheninterpreting touch commands on a relatively small area surface, such asa display screen or cover glass of a wearable electronic device.

As shown in FIG. 3, the device 100 may also include a button/dial input310 that may be produced using an input device that is configured toreceive input from the user. As described previously, the device 100 mayinclude one or more buttons disposed on or near an external surface ofthe housing and are configured to receive input from a user. The devicemay also include a dial or crown that is configured to accept rotationalinput from the user. As described in more detail below with respect toFIGS. 24A-B, the dial or crown may also include a push feature that isadapted to accept input from the user.

The device 100 may also accept audio input 314 using a microphone orother acoustic sensing device. The audio input 314 may be adapted toaccept input from the user, including voice commands and other audiosignal input. The audio input 314 may also be adapted to detect andmeasure ambient audio conditions that may be used to adjust the volumeof the audio output 308 or operation of the haptic output 312. The audioinput 314 may also be used to record an audio stream or voice message inaccordance with an audio recording application or software program.

As shown in FIG. 3, the device 100 may include a display output 304 inaccordance with some embodiments. The display output 304 includes visualor graphical output that may be produced using the display element ofthe device. In some embodiments, the display output 304 includes agraphical user interface produced using an operating system or softwareapplication executed on one or more processing units of the device. Inone example, the display output 304 includes a graphical depiction thatresembles a watch face or other timekeeping device. In other examples,the display output 304 includes a graphical interface for an e-mail,text messaging, or other communication-oriented program. The displayoutput 304 may also present visual information that corresponds to oneof the other functional aspects of the device 100. For example, thedisplay output 304 may include information that corresponds to thebiosensor input 320, sensor input 318, force input 302, touch input 306,and others.

As shown in FIG. 3 the device 100 may include an audio output 308 thatmay be produced with a speaker or acoustic module. The audio output 308may include sounds or audio signals that are associated with theoperation of the device. For example, the audio output 308 maycorrespond to the operation of an input device to provide audio feedbackto the user. For example the audio output 308 may correspond to an inputreceived in the form of a force input 302, touch input 306, and/orbutton/dial input 310. In some cases, the audio output 308 may alsoinclude a portion of an auditory alert that may be produced alone orcombined with a haptic output 312 and/or display output 304 of thedevice 100.

The device 100 may also include a sensor input 318 produced using one ormore sensors that may be configured to monitor and detect variousenvironmental conditions. For example, the sensor input 318 may includesignals or data produced using an ambient light sensor, proximitysensor, temperature sensor, barometric pressure sensor, or other sensorfor monitoring environmental conditions surrounding or near the device.In general, the sensor input 318 may be used to adapt the functionalityof the device 100 to conform to the one or more environmentalconditions. For example, the brightness of the display output 304, thevolume of the audio output 308, and/or the operation of the input to thedevice 100 may be based on the sensor input 318.

In some embodiments, the sensor input 318 includes input produced by oneor more motion sensors. The motion sensors may include one or more ofthe following: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, or othertype of inertial measurement device. A sensor input 318 produced usingone or more motion sensors may be used to monitor and detect changes inmotion of the device 100. Changes in linear and angular motion may beused to determine or estimate an orientation of the device relative to aknown location or fixed datum. The sensor input 318 produced from theone or more motion sensors may also be used to track the movement of theuser. The movement of the user may be used to facilitate navigation ormap-guided functionality of the device. Additionally, input related tothe gross movement of the user can be used as a pedometer or activitymeter, which may be stored and tracked over time to determine healthmetrics or other health-related information. Additionally, in someembodiments, sensor input 318 from the one or more motion sensors may beused to identify motion gestures. For example, the motion sensors can beused to detect an arm raise or the position of a user's body (within apredetermined confidence level of certainty).

The device 100 may also include a biosensor input 320 produced using oneor more biosensors or biosensor modules that are configured to monitorphysiological and/or health conditions of a user. As discussed abovewith respect to FIG. 2, the device may include one or more opticalsensors for measuring heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, ora combination thereof. The device may also include one or more sensorshaving electrical contacts that are disposed to contact the user's body.The sensors may be configured to measure electrocardiographic (ECG)characteristics, galvanic skin resistance, and other electricalproperties of the user's body. Additionally or alternatively, sensorsmay be configured to measure body temperature, exposure to UV radiation,and other health related information. The biosensor input 320 may becombined with other aspects of the device to provide heath-monitoringfunctionality. For example, the biosensor input 320 may be used tocompute data that is presented using the display output 304. Theoperation of the biosensor input 320 may also be controlled using theforce input 302, touch input 306, or other user input 310 to provide aninteractive health monitoring function or application.

As shown in FIG. 3, the device may include a haptic output 312 that maybe produced using one or more haptic devices that are configured toprovide haptic feedback to the user. In particular, the haptic output312 may be produced using one or more electromechanical subassembliesthat are configured to induce motion or vibration in the device, whichmay be perceived or sensed by the user. In some cases, the hapticactuator or device is tuned to operate based on a resonance or nearresonance with respect to the device, which may enhance haptic output.In some cases, the haptic actuator or device is configured to operatebased on a resonance or near resonance with respect to some componentsof the device, such as the band or clasp of the device.

In some embodiments, the haptic output 312 may correspond to theoperation of one or more other modules or subsystems. For example, thehaptic output 312 may include a vibration or haptic feedback thatcorresponds to an audio alert or visual alert or signal produced by theacoustic module or display, respectively. Additionally or alternatively,the haptic output 312 may be operated in conjunction with an input fromthe user. The haptic output 312 may include haptic or force feedbackthat confirms that the user input was or is being received. By way ofexample, a haptic output 312 may include a click or vibration when thecrown of the device is turned or a button is depressed. The hapticoutput 312 may also be coordinated with other functionality of thedevice including, for example, message transmission operations, powermanagement operations, force sensor operations, biosensor operations, toprovide a notification, to provide an alert, and others.

As shown in FIG. 3, the device 100 may also include communicationsinput/output (I/O) 316, which may facilitate communication with anexternal device or system. The communications I/O 316 may be producedusing one or more wireless interfaces, including radio frequencycellular interfaces, fiber optic interfaces, acoustic interfaces,Bluetooth interfaces, Near Field Communication interfaces, infraredinterfaces, USB interfaces, Wi-Fi interfaces, TCP/IP interfaces, networkcommunications interfaces, or any conventional communication interfaces.In some cases, the communications I/O 316 may include signals and datareceived from an external device that has been paired or is otherwise inelectronic communication with the device 100. The external data includedin the communications I/O 316 may include, for example, message dataassociated with an electronic communication, notification dataassociated with an event, and/or data related to audio or visualcontent. The communications I/O 316 may also include an authorization oridentification of external devices in communication with the device 100or users associated with one or more external devices. Similarly, thecommunications I/O 316 may be used to output various forms of data orsignals to one or more devices or systems that are external to thedevice 100. For example, the communications I/O 316 may include data orcomputations that are produced using the biosensor input 320 and/or thesensor input 318.

FIG. 4 depicts an example wearable electronic device 100 as part of asystem of devices. By way of example, the wearable electronic device 100of FIG. 4 may correspond to the devices shown in any of the previousfigures. Generally, the wearable electronic device 100 may communicatewirelessly with any of a number of other devices, such as mobile phone420, computer 430, tablet computing devices, personal media players,televisions, networked home appliances, networked home controls,electronic systems in vehicles, and so on. Additionally, the wearableelectronic device 100 may communicate wirelessly with any of a number ofelectronic accessories, including headset devices, portable speakerdevices, portable microphone devices, display screens, and so on.Communication may be through a wired or wireless connection, includingany technology mentioned herein.

In some embodiments the wearable electronic device 100 may accept avariety of bands, straps, or other retention mechanisms (collectively,“bands”). These bands may be removably connected to the electronicdevice by a feature formed into the band or band assembly that isaccepted in a recess or other aperture within the device and locksthereto. An example band interface is described in more detail belowwith respect to FIGS. 25A-C.

In general, a user may change combinations of bands and electronicdevices, thereby permitting mixing and matching of the two categories.It should be appreciated that devices having other forms and/orfunctions may include similar recesses and may releasably mate with alug and/or band incorporating a lug. In this fashion, a system of bandsand devices may be envisioned, each of which is compatible with another.A single band may be used to connect to devices, as one further example;in such embodiments the band may include electrical interconnectionsthat permit the two devices to transmit signals to one another andthereby interact with one another.

Insofar as the electronic device 100 may connect either physically orthrough a data communication link with other computing devices, thecombination of devices and bands may be thought of as an ecosystemhaving multiple parts that interact with one another, may intelligentlycommunicate with one another, may share functionality and/or maysubstitute for one another in terms of operations, output, input and thelike. Examples of devices existing in such an ecosystem follow, but areillustrative rather that limiting.

As one example, a number of electronic devices 100, 420, 430 may eachhave identical or similar attachment structures that permit them toshare a band or connector. A user may thus change the interconnectedband and device(s) with respect to one another, permitting a number ofdifferent physical connections between different ecosystem components.In some embodiments, a band that serves to retain an electronic deviceonly may be swapped for bands having additional functionalities, such astransmitting data between devices connected to the band, addingfunctionality to a connected device that the device lacks, providingadditional power to a connected device, and so on. Further, differentbands may look different, so that the appearance of the electronicdevice(s) in combination with a band(s) may change by changing theband(s) and/or device(s) with respect to one another.

As another example, electronic devices 100, 420, 430 may communicatewith one another as part of the overall ecosystem. Data may be passedfrom one device 420 to another 100. This may be useful if the user 410is wearing one electronic device 100 but is not near another device 430that wishes to notify the user or interact with the user in somefashion. Continuing the example, the computer 430 may transmit areminder or message to the wearable device 100 to gain the user'sattention. As another example, the computer 430 (or any other electronicdevice in the ecosystem) may transmit a state of an application or eventhe device itself to the wearable device 100. Thus, for example, if anapplication operating on the computer needs the user's attention, it maybe gained through an alert issued by the wearable device.

Data communication between devices in an ecosystem may also permit thedevices to share functionality. As one non-limiting example, electronicdevices may share sensor data with one another to permit one deviceaccess to data it normally would not have, from a sensor it does notphysically incorporate. Thus, any given device 100, 420, 430 may draw onthe abilities of other devices in the ecosystem to provide an enhancedand relatively seamless experience for a user 410.

FIG. 5 depicts a system 500 of interchangeable components for a wearabledevice. By way of example, one or more of the devices of FIG. 5 maycorrespond to the devices shown in any of the previous figures. FIG. 5depicts a system 500 including a variety of interchangeable components,including multiple device bodies 515, 525, 535 that are configured toconnect via a standard interface to any one of a number of differentbands 551 a-b, 552 a-b, 553 a-b, 554 a-b, and 555 a-b. In addition, eachof the three devices may be configured to connect via a standardinterface to another type of non-band component, such as a lug 556 a-b,non-band component, or other device.

As shown in FIG. 5, the system 500 may include a body or device that isadapted to attach to one or more bands, straps, or other similarcomponent that may be used to attach the device to the body of a user.In some embodiments, the device may be interchangeable or interchangedto provide a different set of functions or features. In someembodiments, the bands or attachment components may be interchangeableor interchanged to provide desired functionality or features.

In the example depicted in FIG. 5, each of the devices includes at leastone receiving feature 504 that is configured to interconnect with acorresponding feature 502 that is attached to or integrally formed withthe end of each of the bands or other mating parts. In some embodiments,receiving feature 504 includes a channel or groove that is formed in oneend of the device body. The mating feature 502 of a respective band orcomponent may be configured to slidably engage with the receivingfeature 504 of a respective device body to attach the band or component.An example receiving feature is described in more detail below withrespect to FIGS. 25A-C. In some embodiments, the receiving feature 504and the mating feature 502 are standardized in the system 500 and, thus,any of the bands (551 a-b, 552 a-b, 553 a-b, 554 a-b, and 555 a-b) canbe interchangeably used with any of the device bodies 515, 525, 535.

With respect to FIG. 5, each of the bands may be formed from a differentmaterial or using a different construction. In the present example,bands 551 a-b may be formed from a textile material that may beconstructed from a pattern of thread or fiber material. The textilematerial may include a variety of materials, including natural fibers,synthetic fibers, metallic fibers, and so on. The bands 552 a-b may beformed from a woven material and may be constructed from an array ofwarp fibers or threads interwoven with one or more weft fibers orthreads. Similarly, the warp and weft fibers may include a variety ofmaterials, including natural fibers, synthetic fibers, metallic fibers,and so on. The bands 553 a-b may be formed from leather material 553a-b. In one example, the bands 553 a-b are formed from a sheet or stripof cowhide; however, the bands 553 a-b may also be formed from one ofany number of types of animal hide. The leather material 553 a-b mayalso include a synthetic leather material, such as vinyl or plastic. Thebands 554 a-b may be formed from a metallic mesh or link construction.For example the bands 554 a-b may be formed from a Milanese mesh orother similar type of construction. The bands 555 a-b may be formed froma silicone or other elastomer material.

In some cases, the band is a composite construction including variousmaterials, which may be selected based on the end use or application. Insome embodiments, a first band strap, or a first portion of the firstband strap, may be made up of a first material and a second band strap,or a second portion of the second band strap, may be made from a second,different material. The band may also be made up of a plurality of linksand, as such, the band may be resizable by, for example, adding orremoving links. Example bands and band constructions are provided belowin Section 12.

In the system 500, an interchangeable band may allow for individualcustomization of the device or to better adapt the device for a range ofuses or applications. In some instances, the type of band that isselected and installed can facilitate a particular user activity. Forexample, band 551 a-b may be formed from a textile material and includea durable clasp that may be particularly well suited for exercise oroutdoor activities. Alternatively, as discussed above the band 554 a-bmay be formed from a metallic material and include a thin or low-profileclasp that may be well suited for more formal or fashion-focusedactivities.

In some embodiments, the band may be coupled to a separate componenthaving the mating feature 502. The band may be coupled using pins,holes, adhesives, screws, and so on. In yet other embodiments, the bandmay be co-molded or overmolded with at least a portion of the componenthaving the mating feature 502. In some embodiments, the band is coupledto the component via a pin that allows the straps to rotate with respectto the component. The pin may be formed integrally with or disposed in aloop formed in the end of the band.

In the example system 500, each of the bands is shown as having ageneric band clasp. However, the type of band clasp that is used mayvary between embodiments. On example band clasp may include a first bandstrap having a buckle or tang assembly which is configured to interfacewith a second band strap having a series of apertures or holes formedwith the strap. Additionally or alternatively, the bands may include amagnetic clasp having one or more magnetic elements on a first bandstrap that is configured to mate to one or more magnetic orferromagnetic elements on a second band strap.

As shown in FIG. 5, the system may include multiple device bodies 515,525, 535 that may vary in size, shape, and composition. The device body515, 525, 535 may include one or more of the embodiments describedherein and may include, but is not limited to a wearable computer, awearable watch, a wearable communication device, a wearable mediaplayer, a wearable health monitoring device, and/or the like. Inparticular, the device body may correspond to the device body describedwith respect to device body 610 of device 100 (shown in FIG. 6).

1. Example Wearable Electronic Device

FIG. 6 depicts an example wearable electronic device, which may includevarious aspects of the device(s) described above. In some embodiments,multiple modules or subsystems are physically and operationallyintegrated together to provide particular functionality or devicefeatures. In particular, the interaction between the subsystems, or thesubsystems themselves, may be configurable by the user, manufacturer, orvendor to adapt the device to produce certain functionality. Someexample combinations and interactions between the various modules andsubsystems are expressly provided in the present description. However,the combinations and interactions provided herein are merelyillustrative in nature and are not intended to be limiting on the scopeof the disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts an example configuration of a wearable electronic device100. In particular, FIG. 6 depicts an electronic wearable device 100including a device body 610 that may be configured to be attached to thewrist of a user using a band assembly 620. This configuration may alsobe referred to herein as a wearable device, a device, an electronicwristwatch, or an electronic watch. While these terms may be used withrespect to certain embodiments, the functionality provided by theexample electronic wearable device 100 may be substantially greater thanor vary with respect to many traditional electronic watches ortimekeeping devices.

In the present example, the exterior surface of the device body 610 isdefined, in part, by the exterior surface of the housing 601 and theexterior surface of the cover 609. In the example depicted in FIG. 6,the device body 610 is substantially rectangular with round or curvedside portions. The outer surfaces of the cover 609 and the housing 601coincide at a joint interface and cooperate to form a continuouscontoured surface. The continuous contoured surface may have a constantradius and may be tangent to a flat middle portion of the cover 609and/or a flat bottom portion of the housing 601. In some embodiments,the cover 609 has substantially the same shape as a flat bottom portionand at least a portion of the curved side portions of the housing 601. Amore complete description of the geometry of the cover 609 and thehousing 601 is provided below with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8.

In the example of FIG. 6, the device 100 includes a display (item 120 ofFIG. 2) that is disposed at least partially within an opening or cavitydefined within a top portion of the housing 601 of the device body 610.The display may be formed from a liquid crystal display (LCD), organiclight emitting diode (OLED) display, organic electroluminescence (OEL)display, or other type of display device. The display may be used topresent visual information to the user and may be operated in accordancewith one or more display modes or the software applications beingexecuted on the device 100. By way of example, the display may beconfigured to present the current time and date similar to a traditionalwatch or timepiece. The display may also present a variety of othervisual information that may correspond to or be produced using one ofthe other modules in the device 100. For example, the display may beconfigured to display one of a variety of notification messages, whichmay be generated based on data received from the one or more sensors,the wireless communication system, or other subsystem of the device 100.The display may also be configured to present visual information or datathat is based on the output of one or more sensor outputs. The displaymay also provide status or information related to a wireless chargingprocess or battery power. The display may also present visual output orinformation related to media being produced using a speaker or acousticmodule of the device 100. Accordingly, a variety of other types ofvisual output or information may be presented using the display.

In the current example, the display includes or is integrated with acover 609 that helps to protect the display from physical impact orscratches. In the field of wearable devices, the cover 609 may also bereferred to generically as a crystal or cover glass, regardless of thematerial that is used to form the cover 609. In some cases, the cover609 is formed from a sheet or block of sapphire material. Sapphire mayprovide superior optical and surface hardness properties as compared toother materials. In some cases, the sapphire material has a hardness ofapproximately 9 on the Mohs scale. In alternative embodiments, the cover609 is formed from a glass, polycarbonate, or other opticallytransparent material. The cover 609 may also be coated with one or moreoptical or mechanical enhancing materials or surface treatments. Forexample, interior and/or exterior surfaces of the cover 609 may becoated with an anti-reflective (AR), oleophobic or other coating toenhance the visible or functional properties of the display.Additionally, in some cases, the cover 609 may be configured tocooperate with an antenna used to facilitate wireless communication withan external device. FIGS. 21A-B, described in more detail below, provideone example embodiment of a cover configured to cooperate with anantenna.

In the example depicted in FIG. 6, the cover 609 is formed from atransparent material and, when assembled has an external surface and aninternal surface. The cover 609 is disposed above the display andencloses a cavity or opening formed in the top portion of the housing601. In some embodiments, the external surface of the cover 609cooperates with the external surface of the housing to form asubstantially continuous external peripheral surface of the electronicdevice. As shown in FIG. 6, the external surface of the cover 609 has aflat middle portion at the center of the cover, which extends outwardly.The cover 609 also includes a curved edge portion that emanates from andsurrounds the flat middle portion and extends outwardly to an edge atthe side of the cover 609. In some embodiments, the cover 609 alsoincludes an opaque mask disposed relative to the internal surface of thetransparent cover. The opaque mask may correspond to or otherwise definethe viewable area of the display 120. The mask may have an outerboundary that is located proximate the edge of the side of the cover 609and has an inner boundary located within the curved edge portion of thecover 609.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cover 609 is disposed relative to a top portionof the housing 601. The housing 601 includes a top portion defining anopening, which is surrounded by a curved side portion. In the presentexample, the curved edge portion of the cover 609 coincides with thecurved side portion of the housing 601 to form a continuous externalsurface of the electronic device 100. In some instances, the cover 609may have a contour that follows or otherwise corresponds to a similarcontour of the housing 601 to form a substantially continuous surface atthe interface between the two components. As shown in FIG. 6, the cover609 protrudes above the housing 601.

In some instances, the cover 609 is disposed relative to a touch sensor(item 702 of FIG. 7). In some embodiments, the touch sensor may beintegrated with the display or other element of the device 100. Thetouch sensor may be formed from one or more capacitive sensor electrodesor nodes that are configured to detect the presence and/or location ofan object or the user's finger that is touching or nearly touching thesurface of the display. In some cases, the touch sensor includes anarray of sensing nodes formed in accordance with a mutual capacitancesensing scheme.

In one example, the touch sensor may include an array of mutualcapacitance touch nodes that can be formed by a two-layer electrodestructure separated by a dielectric material. One layer of electrodesmay comprise a plurality of drive lines and another layer of electrodesmay comprise a plurality of sense lines, and where the drive lines andthe sense lines cross, mutual capacitive sense nodes are formed (alsoreferred to as coupling capacitance). In some implementations, the drivelines and sense lines may cross over each other in different planesseparated from one another by a dielectric. Alternatively, in otherembodiments the drive lines and sense lines can be formed substantiallyon a single layer. An example touch sensor and touch-sensing node aredescribed in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 14A-C and 15A-B.

Alternatively or additionally, the touch sensor may include one or moreself-capacitive nodes or electrodes that are configured to detect adischarge of electrical current or charge when an object, such as auser's finger, contacts or nearly contacts a surface of the housing 601or other surface of the device 100. Other types of electronicallysensing nodes, including resistive, inductive, or the like, may also beintegrated into a surface of the device 100.

In some embodiments, the device 100 may also include a force sensor(item 705 of FIG. 7). The force sensor may be disposed relative to thedisplay 120 or integrated with other elements of the device 100. In somecases, the force sensor includes one or more force sensing structures orforce-sensing nodes for detecting and measuring the magnitude of a forceor pressure due to a touch on a surface of the device 100. The forcesensor may be formed from or implement one or more types of sensorconfigurations. For example, capacitive and/or strain based sensorconfigurations may be used alone or in combination to detect and measurethe magnitude of a force or pressure due to a touch. As described inmore detail below, a capacitive force sensor may be configured to detectthe magnitude of a touch based on the displacement of a surface orelement on the device. Additionally or alternatively, a strain-basedforce sensor may be configured to detect the magnitude of a touch basedon the deflection. Example force sensor and force-sensing modules aredescribed in more detail below with respect to FIGS. 9-12.

As shown in FIG. 6, the device 100 also includes device body 610including a housing 601 that upon which may be mounted or integratedwith various components of the device 100. The housing 601 serves tosurround at a peripheral region as well as support the internalcomponents of the product in their assembled position. In someembodiments, the housing 601 may enclose and support internally variouscomponents (including for example integrated circuit chips and othercircuitry) to provide computing and functional operations for the device100. The housing 601 may also help define the shape or form of thedevice. That is, the contour of the housing 601 may embody the outwardphysical appearance of the device. As such, it may include variousornamental and mechanical features that improve the aestheticalappearance and tactile feel of the device. For example, the housing 601may include a contoured surface that includes rectilinear contours,curvilinear contours, or combinations thereof. The housing 601 may alsoinclude various surface features, including textures, patterns,decorative elements, and so on.

In the present example, the housing 601 is formed from a single piece,which may also be referred to as single-body, unitary, or uni-bodydesign or construction. By utilizing a single-body construction, thestructural integrity of the device may be improved as compared to amulti-piece construction. For example, a single body may be more easilysealed from contaminants as compared to a multi-piece enclosure.Additionally, a single-body enclosure may be more rigid due, in part, tothe absence of joints or seams. The rigidity of the housing 601 may befurther enhanced by increasing the material thickness in areas wheremechanical stress may be greatest, while also maintaining or thinningother areas where mechanical stress may be lower or reduced. Variationsin the thickness of the housing 601 may be possible by machining orcasting the housing 601 as a single piece. Additionally, a single-bodyhousing 601 may include one or more features for mounting or integratingthe internal components of the device 100, which may facilitatemanufacturing and/or assembly of the device 100.

An example housing 601 is described in more detail below with respect toFIG. 8. The housing 601 may be formed from a variety of materials,including, without limitation plastic, glass, ceramics, fibercomposites, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium), othersuitable materials, or a combination of these materials. Further, thehousing 601 may include a surface treatment or coating, which may beformed from a variety of materials, including, without limitationaluminum, steel, gold, silver and other metals, metal alloys, ceramics,wood, plastics, glasses, and the like.

As discussed above, the display, the touch sensor, and force sensor maybe disposed within the housing 601. In this example, one or more buttons644 and a crown 642 used to receive user input may also be disposedwithin or relative to the housing 601. Other types of user input,including for example, one or more dials, slides, or similar user inputdevices or mechanisms may also be disposed within or relative to thehousing 601. As described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 7 and 8,the housing 601 may include various features for attaching and mountingthe subassemblies and modules of the device 100. In particular, thehousing 601 may have one or more openings for receiving the cover 609,the display, the force sensor, or other components. The housing 601 mayalso include one or more holes or openings for receiving the button 644and crown 642 that are located around the perimeter of the device 100.In some embodiments, the housing 601 also includes internal features,such as bosses and threaded portions, that can be used to attach modulesor components within the housing 601.

The device 100 may also include an ambient light sensor (ALS) that isconfigured to detect and measure changes in ambient lighting conditions.The ALS may include a photodiode and one or more optical elements orlenses for collecting light. An ALS may be located on an external facingsurface that is less likely to be blocked when the device is worn or inuse. The ALS may be used to adjust settings, including screen brightnessand other visual output depending on the overall lighting conditions.

The housing 601 may also include one or more motion-sensing elements ordevices for detecting motion of the device 100. For example, the device100 may include one or more accelerometers that are configured to senseacceleration or changes in motion. Additionally or alternatively, thedevice 100 may include one or more gyroscopic sensors that areconfigured to detect changes in direction. In some cases, the one ormore gyroscopic sensors may include a spinning mass that can be used todetect changes in angular velocity. Multiple motion-sensing elements maybe used to detect motion along multiple directions or axes. The motionsensors may also be used to identify motion gestures. For example, themotion sensors can be used to detect an arm raise or the position of auser's body (within a predetermined confidence level of certainty). Theone or more motion-sensing elements may be used to determine anorientation of the device relative to a known or fixed datum. Forexample, the device may include a compass and/or global positioningsystem (GPS) that can be used to identify an absolute position. The oneor more motion sensing elements may then measure deviation or movementwith respect to the absolute position to track movement of the device orthe user wearing the device. In some implementations, the one or moremotion-sensing elements are used to detect gross movement of the deviceor user. The gross movement may be used as a pedometer or activitymeter, which may be tracked over time and used to calculate a healthmetric or other health-related information.

Described in more detail with respect to FIG. 8, the housing 601 mayalso include one or more openings or orifices coupled to an acousticmodule or speaker 122, which may include a speaker and/or a microphonesubassembly. Although the housing 601 may include one or more openingsor orifices, the housing 601 may still be substantially waterproof/waterresistant and may be substantially impermeable to liquids. For example,the opening or orifice in the housing or enclosure may include amembrane or mesh that is substantially impermeable to liquid ingress.Additionally or alternatively, the geometry of the opening or orificeand other internal features of the housing 601 may be configured toreduce or impede the ingress of liquid or moisture into the device 100.In one example, the opening is formed from one or more orifices that areoffset with respect to an internal acoustic chamber or cavity, which mayprevent a direct path from the outside of the housing 601 into theacoustic module.

As shown in FIG. 6, the device 100 includes a device body 610 that maybe attached to a user's wrist using a band 620. In the present example,the band 620 include a first band strap 621 attached to a firstreceiving feature 623 and a second band strap 622 attached to a secondreceiving feature 624. In some embodiments, the first and second bandstraps 621, 622 include a lug feature that is configured to attach tothe first and second receiving features 623, 624, respectively. As shownin FIG. 6, the free ends of the band straps 621, 622 are connected witha clasp 625.

The band straps 621, 622 are formed from a flexible or compliantmaterial that may be specially configured for a particular application.The band straps 621, 622 may be formed from a variety of materials,including, for example, leather, woven textiles, or metallic meshmaterials. The material and construction of the band straps 621, 622 maydepend on the application. For example, the band straps 621, 622 may beformed from a woven textile material configured for exposure to impactand moisture typically associated with outdoor activities. In anotherexample, the band straps 621, 622 may be formed from a metallic meshmaterial that may be configured to have a fine finish and constructionthat may be more appropriate for professional or social activities.

Similarly, the clasp 625 of the band 620 may be configured for aparticular application or to work with a particular style of band. Forexample, if the band straps 621, 622 are formed from a metallic meshmaterial, the clasp 625 may include a magnetic clasp mechanism. In thepresent example, the device 100 is configured to be attached to thewrist of a user. However, in alternative embodiments, the device may beconfigured to be attached to the arm, leg or other body part of theuser.

The housing 601 includes one or more features for attaching the bandstraps 621, 622. In the present example, the housing 601 includes afirst receiving feature 623 and a second receiving feature 624 forattaching the first band strap 621 and the second band strap 622,respectively. In this example, the band straps 621, 622 include a lugportion that is adapted to mechanically engage with the receivingfeatures 623, 624. A more detailed description of the receiving featuresand lugs is provided below with respect to FIGS. 25A-C. As shown in FIG.6, the first 623 and second receiving features 624 may be integrallyformed into the housing 601. In alternative embodiments, the receivingfeatures may be formed from separate parts and may be attached to thehousing 601 during manufacturing. In some embodiments, the receivingfeatures 623, 624 may be configured to release the band straps 621, 622from the device body 610 (e.g., the housing 601). For example, one orboth of the receiving features 623, 624 may include a button or slide,which may be actuated by the user to release a corresponding band strap621 and 622. One advantage of a releasable lug is that the user can swapbetween a variety of bands that may be specially configured for aparticular use scenario. For example, some bands may be speciallyconfigured for sport or athletic activities and other bands may beconfigured for more formal or professional activities.

The device 100 may also include a rear cover 608 located on therear-facing surface of the housing 601 of the device body 610. The rearcover 608 may improve the strength and/or scratch resistance of thesurface of the device 100. For example, in some embodiments, the rearcover 608 may be formed from a sapphire sheet, zirconia, or aluminamaterial having superior scratch resistance and surface finishqualities. In some cases, the sapphire material has a hardness greaterthan 6 on the Mohs scale. In some cases, the sapphire material has ahardness of approximately 9 on the Mohs scale. Due to the superiorstrength of the sapphire material, a cover glass formed from a sapphiresheet may be very thin. For example, the thickness of a sapphire coversheet may be less 300 microns thick. In some cases, the thickness of asapphire cover sheet may be less than 100 microns thick. In some cases,the thickness of a sapphire cover sheet may be less than 50 micronsthick. In some embodiments, the rear cover 608 is contoured in shape.For example, the rear cover 608 may have a convex curved surface.

FIG. 7 depicts an example exploded view of various modules andsubassemblies of the device 100. As shown in FIG. 7, multiple componentsare configured to be disposed within and/or attached to the housing 601.The exploded view provided in FIG. 7 depicts one example arrangement ofthe components of the device 100. However, in other embodiments,arrangement, placement, and/or grouping of the subassemblies and thecomponents of the subassemblies may vary.

In the present example, a main cavity of the housing 601 houses anelectronics subassembly 720 and the battery 114 of the device. Theelectronics subassembly 720 includes one or more electrical circuitassemblies for coupling the various electrical components of the device100 to each other and to power supplied by the battery 114. Theelectronics subassembly 720 may also include structural elements orcomponents that provide structural rigidity for the electronicssubassembly 720 and/or structural mounting or support for othercomponents disposed within the housing 601. As shown in FIG. 7, withinthe cavity of the housing 601, the speaker 122, the crown module 642,and the battery 114 are all disposed above the electronics subassembly720. In the present embodiment the top surface of the speaker 122, thecrown module 642, and the battery 114 have a substantially similarheight. In some embodiments, the speaker 122, the crown module 642, andthe battery 114, when assembled in the housing 601, define an area forthe display 120 within the cavity. Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, the display120 may overlay the speaker 122, the crown module 642, and the battery114, which overlay the electronics subassembly 720.

As shown in FIG. 7, the cover 609 is configured to fit within acorresponding recess formed within the housing 601. In particular, thecover 609 includes a vertical portion having a height that correspondsto the depth of the recess formed within the housing 601. In thisexample, the device 100 includes a force sensor 705 disposed between thehousing 601 and a cover subassembly 704. As described in more detailbelow with respect to FIGS. 9 and 10A-B, the force sensor 705 may beconfigured to detect a force placed on a surface of the cover 609 bydetecting a relative deflection between the cover 609 (or coversubassembly 704) and the housing 601. In the present example, the forcesensor 705 also forms a gasket or seal between the cover subassembly 704and the housing 601. In some implementations, the seal is a water-proofor water-resistant seal that helps to prevent water or liquid ingressinto the internal cavity of the housing 601. The force sensor 705 mayalso be used to join the cover subassembly 704 to the housing 601 usingan adhesive or film.

In some embodiments, the cover subassembly 704 includes the cover 609which is disposed above the touch sensor 702 and display 120. In thepresent example, the touch sensor 702 and the display 120 are attachedto each other by an optically clear adhesive layer (OCA). Similarly, anOCA layer is used to attach the touch sensor 702 to the cover 609. Otheradhesives or bonding techniques may be used to attach the display 120and the touch sensor 702 to the cover 609. In some embodiments, thetouch sensor 702 is integrated into the display 120 and the display 120(and integrated touch sensor 702) are attached to the cover 609.

As shown in FIG. 7, the speaker 122 is also disposed within the cavityof the housing 601. The speaker 122 is adapted to mechanically andacoustically interface with a port formed in the side of the housing601. In some embodiments, the port is configured to prevent a directpath for water or liquid into an acoustic chamber or cavity of thespeaker 122. In some embodiments, the device 100 also includes amicrophone that is similarly coupled to another port formed in the sideof the housing 601. A more detailed description of the speaker 122 andmicrophone is provided below with respect to the acoustic module of FIG.20.

In the present example, the haptic device 112 is also disposed withinthe cavity of the housing 601 proximate to the speaker 122. In someembodiments, the haptic device 112 is rigidly mounted to a portion ofthe housing 601. A rigid mounting between the housing 601 and the hapticdevice 112 may facilitate the transmission of vibrations or other energyproduced by the haptic device 112 to the user. In the present example,the haptic device 112 includes a moving mass that is configured tooscillate or translate in a direction that is substantially parallelwith a rear face of the housing 601. In some implementations, thisorientation facilitates the perception of a haptic output produced bythe haptic device 112 by a user wearing the device 100. While thisconfiguration is provided as one example, in other implementations, thehaptic device 112 may be placed in a different orientation or may beconfigured to produce a haptic response using a rotating mass or othertype of moving mass.

As shown in FIG. 7, the device also includes an antenna subassembly 722.In this example, a portion of the antenna subassembly 722 is disposedwithin the housing 601 and a portion of the antenna subassembly 722 isdisposed within the cover assembly. In some implementations, a portionof the antenna subassembly 722 is disposed relative to a feature formedwithin the cover 609. An example embodiment is described in more detailbelow with respect to FIGS. 21A-B.

In the example depicted in FIG. 7, the device 100 also includes a crownmodule 642 which is disposed in an aperture or hole in the housing 601.When installed, a portion of the crown module 642 is located outside ofthe housing 601 and a portion of the crown module 642 is disposed withinthe housing 601. The crown module 642 may be configured to mechanicallyand/or electrically cooperate with the electronics subassembly 720. Amore detailed description of an example crown module is provided belowwith respect to FIGS. 23 and 24A-B. The housing 601 also includes abutton 644, which is disposed in an opening of the housing 601 and maybe configured to mechanically and/or electrically cooperate with theelectronics subassembly 720.

In the example depicted in FIG. 7, a biosensor module 710 is disposed inan opening formed in the rear surface of the housing 601. In someembodiments, the biosensor module 710 includes the rear cover 608 andmay also include a chassis or plate that facilitates attachment of thebiosensor module 710 to the housing 601. The chassis or plate or thecover sheet 608 may also include features or elements that facilitate awatertight seal between the biosensor module 710 and the housing 601.For example, the rear cover 608 may include a shelf or flange that maybe used to form a seal between the biosensor module 710 and the housing601. As described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 16, thebiosensor module 710 may include one or more light sources, one or morephotodetectors, and one or more electrodes or conductive elements thatare configured to detect and measure a physiological condition orproperty of the user.

In some embodiments, the rear cover 608 has an edge that protrudesoutwardly from the back surface of the housing 601. The rear cover 608may also have a convex curved area located between the edges of the rearcover 608. The convex curved area of the rear cover 608 may include oneor more windows or apertures that provide operational access to one ormore internal components located within the housing 601. In someembodiments, the windows have a curvature that matches the curvature ofthe convex curved area of the rear cover.

2. Example Housing

As described above, a wearable electronic device may include a devicebody that includes a housing or enclosure shell. As previouslydescribed, the housing may function as a chassis that physicallyintegrates the various components of the device. The housing may alsoform a protective shell or housing for the components and function as abarrier against moisture or debris. In the present examples, the housingis formed as a uni-body, unitary, or single body or component. Asingle-body construction may be advantageous by providing mountingfeatures directly into the housing, which may reduce space, reduce partcount, and increase structural rigidity as compared to some alternativeconfigurations. Additionally, a single-body construction may improve thehousing's ability to prevent the ingress of moisture or debris byreducing or eliminating seams or joints between external components.

FIG. 8 depicts an example housing 601 in accordance with someembodiments. In the present example, the housing 601 is formed as asingle body or component. As shown in FIG. 8, the housing 601 is formedas a single part or body. The housing 601 may be formed, for example, bymachining or shaping a solid or cast blank having the approximate shapeof the housing 601. In some implementations, the housing 601 may beconfigured to provide structural integrity for potentially delicateinternal components and also withstand a reasonable impact.

In the present embodiment, the housing 601 is formed as a uni-body,unitary, or single-body construction having a flat bottom portion 801and a top portion including flange 812. The top portion defines aninternal cavity 805, which is surrounded by four sides 802 a-d that areintegrally formed with the bottom portion 801. The internal cavity 805can also be described as being defined by the top portion, the foursides 802 a-d and the bottom portion 801. In this example, the internalcavity 805 has a rectangular (square) shape, although the specific shapemay vary with different implementations. In the present example, thefour sides 802 a-d define a curved side portion of the housing 601 thatextends from the bottom portion 801 to the top portion of the housing601. Each side 802 a-d is orthogonal to an adjacent side and each side802 a-d is connected to an adjacent side by a rounded corner. Forexample, side 802 a is orthogonal to two adjacent sides 802 b and 802 dand is connected to those sides by respective rounded corners. The shapeor contour of the rounded corners may correspond to the curvature of thecurved portion of the housing 601. Specifically, the curvature of therounded corners may match or correspond to the curvature of thecontinuous external surface formed by the housing 601 and the cover 609,as described above with respect to FIG. 6.

The sides 802 a-d may vary in thickness in order to provide thestructural rigidity for the device. In general, areas of high stress mayhave an increased material thickness as compared to areas of low stress,which may have a reduced material thickness. In particular, portions ofthe sides 802 a-d near the bottom portion 801 may have an increasedthickness as compared to portions of the sides 802 a-d located furtheraway from the bottom portion 801. This configuration may improve thestructural rigidity and overall stiffness of the housing 601.

As shown in FIG. 8, one or more mounting features may be formed directlyinto the housing 601, which may reduce the number of parts and alsoenhance the structural integrity of the device. As shown in FIG. 8,receiving features 623, 624 may be formed as channels or openings thatare configured to receive an end of a band (e.g., a lug) having a matingfeature. As described above with respect to FIG. 5, the receivingfeatures 623, 624 may be standardized and configured to work with asystem of interchangeable components. Forming the receiving features623, 624 directly into the housing 601 may reduce parts and alsofacilitate structural rigidity of the device.

In the example depicted in FIG. 8, the housing 601 can be described ashaving two ends (a first end and a second end opposite the first end),and a first side and a second side opposite the first side, the sidesbeing continuous with the ends. In this example, the first and secondends and the first and second sides having an outwardly curvedthree-dimensional shape. In this example, the receiving feature 623 isformed from a first groove situated in the first end. Similarly, thereceiving feature 624 is formed from a second groove situated in thesecond end. In the present example the grooves have openings at theinterface of the first and second sides and first and second ends. Asshown in FIG. 8 the groove also has an inwardly curved concavethree-dimensional shape with an undercut feature. For example, themiddle portion of the groove of receiving features 623, 624 may have awidth that is greater than the opening of the receiving features 623,624. In some embodiments, the upper portion of the housing overhangs thelower portion of the housing at the groove opening. In the exampledepicted in FIG. 8, the groove is cut into a solid portion of thehousing such that the groove forms a continuous interior shape.

The geometry of the receiving features may be located with respect toother features or components of the device. In the example depicted inFIG. 8, at least a portion of the groove of the receiving features 623,624 may be disposed underneath the cover (item 609 of FIGS. 6-7). Withrespect to FIG. 6, the groove of the receiving features 623, 624 islocated underneath the opening for the cover, which is defined by thesealing ledge 810 and flange 812 formed in the upper portion of thehousing 601. In some embodiments, the length of the groove extendsfurther than the width of the opening configured to receive the cover(and thus the cover, when assembled). In some embodiments, the groovesare formed at an angle relative to the centerline of the housing. Insome cases, the angle is approximately 5 degrees. In some embodiments,the groove is located underneath the centerline of the housing 601. Insome embodiments, the groove is angled upward toward the top of thehousing 601 and inward toward the center of the housing 601. The groove601 may angle upward and cross the centerline of the housing. In somecases, the groove crosses the vertical centerline of the housing 601.

In the present embodiment, the housing 601 also includes an aperture 821formed into the side 802 c of the housing 601 for attaching a crown orcrown module (item 642 of FIGS. 6-7). In some embodiments, the aperture821 for the crown is offset upwardly from the centerline of the housing601. In some embodiments, the aperture 821 for the crown is positionedsuch that an upper portion of a crown (when installed) is higher thanthe interface of cover 609 and housing 601. With respect to FIG. 6, theinterface may correspond to the upper edge of the flange 812.

The housing 601 also includes an opening 822 formed into the side 802 cof the housing 601 for attaching the button (item 644 of FIGS. 6-7). Insome embodiments, the aperture 821 for the crown and the opening 822 forthe button are disposed with the length defined by a flat part of thecover. In some embodiments, the aperture 821 for the crown is disposedabove the centerline of the housing 601 and the opening 822 for thebutton is disposed below the centerline of the housing 601. In someembodiments, the aperture 821 for the crown and the opening 822 for thebutton are disposed on a curved surface of the housing 601. The housing601 may also include various other internal features, including threadedfeatures and bosses, for attaching other internal components of thedevice.

In some cases, the housing 601 may be formed as a single-piece orintegral enclosure shell to enhance the structural rigidity and/orliquid-sealing properties of the device. As described above with respectto FIGS. 6 and 7, the housing 601 may be integrated with a cover (e.g.,crystal) and other external components to provide a substantially sealedhousing. In the present embodiment, the housing 601, includes a sealingledge 810 formed around the perimeter of the main cavity 805 formedwithin the housing 601. In some embodiments, the sealing ledge 810 (andthus the cover when installed) is located in the center of the housing601. The sealing ledge 810 may be defined by a substantially flatportion 811 that is adapted to form a seal between the housing 601 andanother component (e.g., the force sensor 705 or cover 609 of FIGS.6-7). The sealing ledge 810 may be formed at a depth that issubstantially similar or corresponds to the thickness of the matingcover.

As shown in FIG. 8, the sealing ledge 810 may also include flange 812that protrudes from the flat portion and forms a continuous surface withthe side walls 802 a-d. In some cases, the flange 812 is configured tocooperate with the cover (item 609 of FIGS. 6-7) to form a substantiallycontinuous surface. In some implementations, the sides 802 a-d and thecover or crystal are configured to cooperate or mechanically interfaceto improve the strength and the water sealing properties of the device.

As also shown in FIG. 8, an opening or aperture 815 may be formed in thebottom portion 801 of the housing 601. In some embodiments, the openingor aperture 815 is located at the center of the housing 601. Asdescribed above with respect to FIG. 7, the aperture 815 may be used tointegrate a sensor array or other module used to collect measurementsthat may be used to compute a health metric or other health-relatedinformation. The present embodiment may be advantageous by integratingmultiple components in a single opening 815, which may facilitate awater-proof or water-resistant property of the device. Additionally, byintegrating a sensor array into a module that attaches via the opening815, same housing 601 may be used with a variety of sensingconfigurations or arrays. For example, the number or sensors orcomponents may be increased or decreased without modifying the housing601. This may allow for flexibility in the product development and mayfacilitate upgrades as new sensing configurations are available.

As previously discussed above with respect to FIGS. 6-7, the housing 601may also be configured to serve as a protective housing for one or moreacoustic elements, such as a microphone or speaker. Additionally, insome embodiments, the housing 601 may also be configured to inhibit theingress of foreign particulate or moisture. In particular, the housing601 may include a speaker port having orifices 831, 832 that areconfigured to transmit acoustic signals but also prevent the ingress ofliquid or other foreign particulate. In the present example, the speakerport includes orifices 831, 832 that are offset with respect to anacoustic chamber or cavity to prevent the direct ingress of liquid intothe speaker subassembly or acoustic module. In the present example, ashielding or umbrella portion of the housing, which is substantiallyfree of openings, is formed between the orifices 831, 832, which helpsto prevent the direct ingress of liquid. Similarly, the housing 601includes a microphone port having orifices 833, 834 that are offset froma corresponding acoustic chamber or cavity to prevent the direct ingressof liquid into the microphone subassembly or acoustic module.

In the example depicted in FIG. 8, the orifices 831, 832 of the speakerport are located on one side of the aperture 821 for the crown and theorifices 833, 834 for the microphone are located on the other side ofthe aperture 821. Both the orifices 831, 832 of the speaker port and theorifices 833, 834 for the microphone are located on a curved portion ofthe housing 601.

3. Example Force Sensor and Touch Sensor

As discussed previously, a wearable electronic device may include one ormore sensors for detecting the location and force of a touch. For thepurposes of the following description of the force sensor and touchsensor, the described device 100 is one example of that shown anddiscussed above with respect to FIGS. 2-7. However, certain features ofthe device 100 including the external surface geometry, may besimplified or vary with respect to aspects of the device 100 discussedabove.

In some embodiments, a force sensor and a touch sensor may be disposedrelative to the display of a wearable electronic device for to form atouch-sensitive surface. The following description is provided withrespect to individual force and touch sensors that may be used todetermine the force and location of a touch, respectively. However, insome embodiments, a single integrated sensor may be used to detect boththe force and location of a touch on the device.

In one embodiment, an output from a force sensor may be combined with atouch sensor to provide both location and force of a single touch or ofmultiple touches on the surface of a device. In an alternativeembodiment, a hybrid or integrated force and touch sensor may be used tosense both touch force and location of a single touch or of multipletouches. In either embodiment, by sensing both the force and location ofa touch, multiple types of user input may be generated and interpreted.In one example, a first touch may be correlated with a first force and afirst touch location or gesture. Based on the magnitude of the force,the first touch may be interpreted as a first type of input or command.A second touch may be sensed as having a second, different force and asimilar location or gesture as the first touch. Based in part on themagnitude of the second force, the second touch may be interpreted as asecond type of input or command. Thus, a force sensor (alone or incombination with another touch sensor) may be used to produce differentresponses or outputs depending on the force of the touch.

The one or more force sensors may be formed from or may be implementedas one or more types of sensor configurations. For example, capacitiveand/or strain based sensor configurations may be used alone or incombination to detect and measure the magnitude of a touch. As describedin more detail below, a capacitive force sensor may be configured todetect the magnitude of a touch based on the displacement of a surfaceor element on the device. Additionally or alternatively, a strain-basedforce sensor may be configured to detect the magnitude of a touch basedon a deflection of the surface, such as the cover glass.

By way of example, the force sensor may include a capacitive forcesensor, which may be formed from one or more capacitive plates orconductive electrodes that are separated by a compressible element orother compliant member. As a force is applied to a surface of thedevice, the compressible element may deflect resulting in a predictablechange in the capacitance between the plates or electrodes. In someimplementations, a capacitive force sensor may be formed fromtransparent materials and disposed over the display. In otherimplementations, a capacitive force sensor may be formed fromnon-transparent materials and disposed beneath or around the perimeterof a display.

FIG. 9 depicts a detail cross-sectional view of a portion of a forcesensor 900 that may be arranged around the perimeter of a display 120.As shown in FIG. 9, a force-sensing structure 901 of the force sensor900 may be disposed beneath the cover 609 and along the side of an edgeor the perimeter of the display 120. In this example, the force sensor900 is configured to detect and measure the force of a touch on thesurface 911 of the cover 609. In the present embodiment, a firstcapacitive plate 902 is fixed with respect to the cover 609. A second,lower capacitive plate 904 is fixed with respect to the housing 601 andmay be disposed on a shelf or mounting surface located along theperimeter of the device. The first capacitive plate 902 and the secondcapacitive plate 904 are separated by a compressible element 906.

In the configuration depicted in FIG. 9, a touch on the surface 911 ofthe device may cause a force to be transmitted through the cover 609 ofthe device and to the force sensor 900. In some cases, the force causesthe compressible element 906 to compress, thereby bringing the firstcapacitive plate 902 and the second capacitive plate 904 closertogether. The change in distance between the first and second capacitiveplates 902, 904 may result in a change of capacitance, which may bedetected and measured. For example, in some cases, a force-sensingcircuit may measure this change in capacitance and output a signal thatcorresponds to the measurement. A processor, integrated circuit or otherelectronic element may correlate the circuit output to an estimate ofthe force of the touch. Although the term “plate” may be used todescribe certain elements, such as the capacitive plates or conductiveelectrodes, it should be appreciated that the elements need not be rigidbut may instead be flexible (as in the case of a trace or flex).

FIG. 10A depicts an example configuration of the force sensor 1000having four individual force-sensing structures 1001 a-d arranged aroundthe perimeter of a display in a device. For the sake of clarity, thecrystal, display, and other elements of the device are omitted from thedepiction of FIG. 10A. Each of the force-sensing structures 1001 a-d maybe formed from a pair of capacitive plates separated by a compressibleelement. Additionally, each force-sensing structure 1001 a-d may beseparated by a small gap at or near the corners of the opening in thehousing 601. In the example depicted in FIG. 10A, the four individualforce-sensing structures 1001 a-d may each be operatively coupled toforce-sensing circuitry that is configured to detect a change in thecapacitance of each force-sensing structure 1001 a-d. Using the examplearrangement depicted in FIG. 10A, the approximate location of the touchmay be determined by comparing the relative change in capacitance ofeach force-sensing structure 1001 a-d. For example, a change incapacitance of structure 1001 b that is larger as compared to a changein capacitance of structure 1001 d may indicate that the touch is closerto structure 1001 b. In some embodiments, the degree of the differencein the change in capacitance may be used to provide a more accuratelocation estimate.

While the configuration shown in FIG. 10A depicts the force-sensingstructures as individual elements separated by a small gap, in someembodiments, the force-sensing structure may be formed as a singlecontinuous piece. FIG. 10B depicts a force sensor 1050 formed as asingle force-sensing structure 1051 formed as a continuous part alongthe perimeter of the display. Similar to the example described above,the force-sensing structure 1051 may be operatively coupled to forcesensing circuitry that is configured to detect a change in thecapacitance of one or more capacitive elements of the force-sensingstructure 1051. While the force-sensing structure 1051 is formed as acontinuous structure, there may be multiple sensing elements (e.g.,capacitive plates) that are disposed within the structure at differentlocations, and which may be configured to detect deflection orcompression of the structure over a portion of entire area of theforce-sensing structure 1051. In some embodiments, the force-sensingstructure 1051 may also function as a seal or gasket to prevent ingressof moisture or other foreign contaminants into the main cavity of thehousing. Additionally, the force-sensing structure 1051 may beintegrated with one or more sealing or adhesive layers that alsofunction as a barrier for foreign contaminants.

As mentioned previously, the force sensor may additionally oralternatively include a strain-based sensing configuration. Thestrain-based sensing configuration may include, for example, acharge-based or resistive sensor configuration. FIG. 11 depicts across-sectional view of a device having an example force sensor 1100that uses one or more force-sensitive films to detect and measure theforce of a touch on a surface 1111 of the cover 609. In this example,the force sensitive film 1102 and 1104 are formed from a transparentmaterial and are disposed relative to a viewable portion of the display120. As shown in FIG. 11, the force sensor 1100 includes a firstforce-sensitive film 1102 and a second force-sensitive film 1104 thatare separated by one or more intermediate layers 1106. Theforce-sensitive films 1102, 1104 may be configured to produce differentelectrical outputs in response to a strain or deflection of the cover609. In some cases, the intermediate layer 1106 is compressible to allowthe first force-sensitive film 1102 to deflect with respect to thesecond force-sensitive film 1104. In other cases, the intermediate layer1106 may not be compressible and the first force-sensitive film 1102deflects in a predictable manner with respect to the secondforce-sensitive film 1104. While FIG. 11 depicts an example force sensor1100 having two force-sensitive films, alternative embodiments mayinclude only a single force-sensitive film or, alternatively, includemore than two force-sensitive films.

In general, a transparent force-sensitive film may include a compliantmaterial that exhibits an electrical property that is variable inresponse to deformation or deflection of the film. The transparentforce-sensitive film may be formed from a piezoelectric,piezo-resistive, resistive, or other strain-sensitive materials.Transparent resistive films can be formed by coating a substrate with atransparent conductive material. Potential transparent conductivematerials include, for example, polyethyleneioxythiophene (PEDOT),indium tin oxide (ITO), carbon nanotubes, graphene, silver nanowire,other metallic nanowires, and the like. Potential substrate materialsinclude, for example, glass or transparent polymers like polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) or cyclo-olefin polymer (COP). Typically, when apiezo-resistive or resistive film is strained, the resistance of thefilm changes as a function of the strain. The resistance can be measuredwith an electrical circuit. In this way, a transparent piezo-resistiveor resistive film can be used in a similar fashion as a strain gauge.

If transparency is not required, then other film materials may be used,including, for example, Constantan and Karma alloys for the conductivefilm and a polyimide may be used as a substrate. Nontransparentapplications include force sensing on track pads or the back of displayelements. In general, transparent and non-transparent force-sensitivefilms may be referred to herein as “force-sensitive films” or simply“films.”

In some embodiments, the force-sensitive film is patterned into an arrayof lines, pixels, or other geometric elements herein referred to as filmelements. The regions of the force-sensitive film or the film elementsmay also be connected to sense circuitry using electrically conductivetraces or electrodes. FIG. 12 depicts a cross-sectional view a devicehaving a strain-based force sensor 1200 formed from one or more strainpixel elements 1202 and 1204 separated by intermediate layer 1206. Eachof the pixel elements 1202, 1204 may be separated by a gap 1210. In thepresent example, each pixel element 1202, 1204 may exhibit a measurablechange in an electrical property in response to a force being applied tothe device. By way of example, as a force is applied to a surface 1211on the cover 609, one or more of the pixel elements 1202, 1204 isdeflected or deformed. Sense circuitry, which is in electricalcommunication with the one or more pixel elements 1202, 1204, may beconfigured to detect and measure the change in the electrical propertyof the film due to the deflection. Based on the measured electricalproperty of the pixel elements 1202, 1204, an estimated amount of forcecan be computed. In some cases, the estimated force may represent themagnitude of a touch on the surface 1211 of the device, and be used asan input to a graphical user interface or other element of the device.Additionally, in some embodiments, the relative strain of the individualpixel elements may be compared to estimate a location of the touch.While FIG. 12 depicts an example force sensor 1200 having two layers ofpixel elements, alternative embodiments may include only a single layerof pixel elements or, alternatively, include more than two layers ofpixel elements.

The pixel elements 1202, 1204 may be specifically configured to detectstrain along one or more directions. In some cases, each pixel element1202, 1204 includes an array of traces generally oriented along onedirection. This configuration may be referred to as a piezo-resistive orresistive strain gauge configuration. In general, in this configurationthe force-sensitive-film is a material whose resistance changes inresponse to strain. The change in resistance may be due to a change inthe geometry resulting from the applied strain. For example, an increasein length combined with decrease in cross-sectional area may occur inaccordance with Poisson's effect. The change in resistance may also bedue to a change in the inherent resistivity of the material due to theapplied strain. For example, the applied strain may make it easier orharder for electrons to transition through the material. The overalleffect is for the total resistance to change with strain due to theapplied force.

Further, in a piezo-resistive or resistive strain gauge configuration,each pixel may be formed from a pattern of the force-sensitive-film,aligned to respond to strain along a particular axis. For example, ifstrain along an x-axis is to be measured, the pixel should have amajority of its trace length aligned with the x-axis. By way of example,FIG. 13A depicts a pixel element 1302 having traces that are generallyoriented along the x-axis and may be configured to produce a strainresponse that is substantially isolated to strain in the x-direction.Similarly, FIG. 13B depicts a pixel element 1304 having traces that aregenerally oriented along the y-axis and may be configured to produce astrain response that is substantially isolated to strain in they-direction.

In some embodiments, the force-sensitive film may be formed from a solidsheet of material and is in electrical communication with a pattern ofelectrodes disposed on one or more surfaces of the force-sensitive film.The electrodes may be used, for example, to electrically connect aregion of the solid sheet of material to sense circuitry. Thisconfiguration may be referred to as a piezo-strain configuration. Inthis configuration, the force-sensitive film may generate a charge whenstrained. The force-sensitive film may also generate different amountsof charge depending on the degree of the strain. In some cases, theoverall total charge is a superposition of the charge generated due tostrain along various axes.

As mentioned previously, a force sensor may be combined with a touchsensor that is configured to detect and measure the location of a touchon the surface of the device. FIG. 14A depicts a simplified schematicrepresentation of an example mutual capacitance touch sensor. As shownin FIG. 14A, a touch sensor 1430 may be formed by an array of nodes 1402formed at the intersection of an array of drive lines 1404 and senselines 1406. In this example, stray capacitance C_(stray) may be presentat each node 1402 (although FIG. 14A depicts only one C_(stray) for onecolumn for purposes of simplifying the figure). In the example of FIG.14A, AC stimuli V_(stim) 1414, V_(stim) 1415 and V_(stim) 1417 can be atdifferent frequencies and phases. Each stimulation signal on a row cancause a charge Q_(sig)=C_(sig)×V_(stim) to be injected into the columnsthrough the mutual capacitance present at the affected nodes 1402. Achange in the injected charge (Q_(sig) _(_) _(sense)) can be detectedwhen a finger, palm or other object is present at one or more of theaffected nodes 1402. V_(stim) signals 1414, 1415 and 1417 can includeone or more bursts of sine waves. Note that although FIG. 14Aillustrates rows 1404 and columns 1406 as being substantiallyperpendicular, they need not be aligned, as described above. Each column1406 may be operatively coupled to a receive channel of acharge-monitoring circuit.

FIG. 14B depicts a side view of an exemplary node in a steady-state (notouch) condition according to examples of the disclosure. In FIG. 14B,electric field lines 1408 between a column 1406 and a row 1404 separatedby dielectric 1410 is shown at node 1402.

FIG. 14C depicts a side view of an exemplary pixel in a dynamic (touch)condition. An object such as finger 1412 can be placed near node 1402.Finger 1412 can be a low-impedance object at signal frequencies, and canhave an AC capacitance C_(finger) from the column trace 1406 to thebody. The body can have a self-capacitance to ground C_(body) of about200 pF, where C_(body) can be much larger than C_(finger). If finger1412 blocks some electric field lines 1408 between row and columnelectrodes (those fringing fields that exit the dielectric 1410 and passthrough the air above the row electrode), those electric field lines canbe shunted to ground through the capacitance path inherent in the fingerand the body, and as a result, the steady state signal capacitanceC_(sig) can be reduced by DC_(sig). In other words, the combined bodyand finger capacitance can act to reduce C_(sig) by an amount DC_(sig)(which can also be referred to herein as C_(sig) _(_) _(sense)), and canact as a shunt or dynamic return path to ground, blocking some of theelectric field lines as resulting in a reduced net signal capacitance.The signal capacitance at the pixel becomes C_(sig)−DC_(sig), whereDC_(sig) represents the dynamic (touch) component. Note thatC_(sig)−DC_(sig) may always be nonzero due to the inability of a finger,palm or other object to block all electric fields, especially thoseelectric fields that remain entirely within the dielectric material. Inaddition, it should be understood that as finger 1412 is pushed harderor more completely onto the touch sensor, finger 1412 can tend toflatten, blocking more and more of the electric fields lines 1408, andthus DC_(sig) may be variable and representative of how completelyfinger 1412 is pushing down on the panel (i.e., a range from “no-touch”to “full-touch”).

Additionally or alternatively, the touch sensor may be formed from anarray of self-capacitive pixels or electrodes. FIG. 15A depicts anexample touch sensor circuit corresponding to a self-capacitance touchpixel electrode and sensing circuit. Touch sensor circuit 1509 can havea touch pixel electrode 1502 with an inherent self-capacitance to groundassociated with it, and also an additional self-capacitance to groundthat can be formed when an object, such as finger 1512, is in proximityto or touching the touch pixel electrode 1502. The totalself-capacitance to ground of touch pixel electrode 1502 can beillustrated as capacitance 1504. Touch pixel electrode 1502 can becoupled to sensing circuit 1514. Sensing circuit 1514 can include anoperational amplifier 1508, feedback resistor 1516, feedback capacitor1510 and an input voltage source 1506, although other configurations canbe employed. For example, feedback resistor 1516 can be replaced by aswitch capacitor resistor. Touch pixel electrode 1502 can be coupled tothe inverting input of operational amplifier 1508. An AC input voltagesource 1506 can be coupled to the non-inverting input of operationalamplifier 1508. Touch sensor circuit 1509 can be configured to sensechanges in the total self-capacitance 1504 of touch pixel electrode 1502induced by finger 1512 either touching or in proximity to the touchsensor panel. Output 1520 can be used by a processor to determine apresence of a proximity or touch event, or the output can be inputtedinto a discreet logic network to determine the presence of a touch orproximity event.

FIG. 15B depicts an example self-capacitance touch sensor 1530. Touchsensor 1530 can include a plurality of touch pixel electrodes 1502disposed on a surface and coupled to sense channels in a touchcontroller, can be driven by stimulation signals from the sense channelsthrough drive/sense interface 1525, and can be sensed by the sensechannels through the drive/sense interface 1525 as well. After touchcontroller has determined an amount of touch detected at each touchpixel electrode 1502, the pattern of touch pixels in the touch screenpanel at which touch occurred can be thought of as an “image” of touch(e.g., a pattern of fingers touching the touch screen). The arrangementof the touch pixel electrodes 1502 in FIG. 15B is provided as oneexample; however, the arrangement and/or the geometry of the touch pixelelectrodes may vary depending on the embodiment.

As previously mentioned, a force sensor may be implemented alone or incombination with another type of touch sensor to sense both touch forceand touch location, which may enable more sophisticated user touch inputthan using touch location alone. For example, a user may manipulate acomputer-generated object on a display using a first type of interactionusing a relatively light touch force at a given touch location. The usermay also interact with the object using a second type of interaction byusing a relatively heavy or sharper touch force at the given location.As one specific example, a user may manipulate or move acomputer-generated object, such as a window, using a relatively lighttouch force. Additionally or alternatively, the user may also select orinvoke a command associated with the window using a relatively heavy orsharper touch force. In some cases, multiple types of interactions maybe associated with multiple amounts of touch force.

Additionally, it may be advantageous for the user to be able to providean analog input using a varying amount of force. A variable, non-binaryinput may be useful for selecting within a range of input values. Theamount of force may, in some cases, be used to accelerate a scrollingoperation, a zooming operation, or other graphical user interfaceoperation. It may also be advantageous to use the touch force in amulti-touch sensing environment. In one example, the force of a touchmay be used to interpret a complex user input performed using multipletouches, each touch having a different magnitude or degree of force. Asa specific but non-limiting example, touch and force may be used in amulti-touch application that allows the user to play a varying tone orsimple musical instrument using the surface of the device. In such ahousing, the force of each touch may be used to interpret a user'sinteraction with the buttons or keys of a virtual instrument. Similarly,the force of multiple touches can be used to interpret a user's multipletouches in a game application that may accept multiple non-binary inputsat different locations.

4. Sensor or Biosensor Module

As described above with respect to FIG. 2, a wearable electronic devicemay include one or more sensors that can be used to calculate a healthmetric or other health-related information. For the purposes of thefollowing description of the biosensor module, the described device 100is one example of that shown and discussed above with respect to FIGS.2-7. However, certain features of the device 100 including the externalsurface geometry, may be simplified or vary with respect to aspects ofthe device 100 discussed above.

In some embodiments, a wearable electronic device may function as awearable health assistant that provides health-related information(whether real-time or not) to the user, authorized third parties, and/oran associated monitoring device. The wearable health assistant may beconfigured to provide health-related information or data such as, butnot limited to, heart rate data, blood pressure data, temperature data,blood oxygen saturation level data, diet/nutrition information, medicalreminders, health-related tips or information, or other health-relateddata. The associated monitoring device may be, for example, a tabletcomputing device, phone, personal digital assistant, computer, and thelike.

In accordance with some embodiments, the electronic device can beconfigured in the form of a wearable electronic device that isconfigured or configurable to provide a wide range of functionality. Asdescribed above with respect to FIG. 2, the wearable electronic device100 may include a processing units 102 coupled with or in communicationwith a memory 104, one or more communications channels 108, outputdevices such as a display 120 and speaker 122, one or more inputcomponents 106, and other modules or components. An example wearableelectronic device 100 may be configured to provide or calculateinformation regarding time, health information, biostatistics, and/orstatus to externally connected or communicating devices and/or softwareexecuting on such devices. The device 100 may also be configured to sendand receive messages, video, operating commands, and othercommunications.

With reference to FIG. 16, an example device 100 may include varioussensors for measuring and collecting data that may be used to calculatea health metric or other health-related information. As one example, thewearable communication device can include an array of light sources1611-1613 and a detector 1614 that are configured to function as anoptical sensor or sensors. In one example, an optical sensor or sensorsmay implemented as a pairing of one or more light sources 1611-1613 andthe detector 1614. In one example implementation, the detector 1614 isconfigured to collect light and convert the collected light into anelectrical sensor signal that corresponds to the amount of lightincident on a surface of the detector 1614. In one embodiment, thedetector may be a photodetector, such as a photodiode. In otherembodiments, the detector 1614 may include a phototube, photosensor, orother light-sensitive device.

In some cases, the one or more optical sensors may operate as aphotoplethysmography (PPG) sensor or sensors. In some instances, a PPGsensor is configured to measure light and produce a sensor signal thatcan be used to estimate changes in the volume of a part of a user'sbody. In general, as light from the one or more light sources passesthrough the user's skin and into the underlying tissue, some light isreflected, some is scattered, and some light is absorbed, depending onwhat the light encounters. The light that is received by the detector1614 may be used to generate a sensor signal, which may be used toestimate or compute a health metric or other physiological phenomena.

The light sources may operate at the same light wavelength range, or thelight sources can operate at different light wavelength ranges. As oneexample, with two light sources, one light source may transmit light inthe visible wavelength range while the other light source can emit lightin the infrared wavelength range. In some cases, a modulation pattern orsequence may be used to turn the light sources on and off and sample orsense the reflected light. With reference to FIG. 16, the first lightsource 1611 may include, for example, a green LED, which may be adaptedfor detecting blood perfusion in the body of the wearer. The secondlight source 1612 may include, for example, an infrared LED, which maybe adapted to detect changes in water content or other properties of thebody. The third 1613 light source may be a similar type or differenttypes of LED element, depending on the sensing configuration.

The optical (e.g., PPG) sensor or sensors may be used to compute varioushealth metrics, including, without limitation, a heart rate, arespiration rate, blood oxygenation level, a blood volume estimate,blood pressure, or a combination thereof. In some instances, blood mayabsorb light more than surrounding tissue, so less reflected light willbe sensed by the detector of the PPG sensor when more blood is present.The user's blood volume increases and decreases with each heartbeat.Thus, in some cases, a PPG sensor may be configured to detect changes inblood volume based on the reflected light, and one or more physiologicalparameters of the user may be determined by analyzing the reflectedlight. Example physiological parameters include, but are not limited to,heart rate, respiration rate, blood hydration, oxygen saturation, bloodpressure, perfusion, and others.

While FIG. 16 depicts one example embodiment, the number of lightsources and/or detectors may vary in different embodiments. For example,another embodiment may use more than one detector. Another embodimentmay also use fewer or more light sources than are depicted in theexample of FIG. 16. In particular, in the example depicted in FIG. 16,the detector 1614 is shared between multiple light sources 1611-1613. Inone alternative embodiment, two detectors may be paired with twocorresponding light sources to form two optical sensors. The two sensors(light source/detector pairs) may be operated in tandem and used toimprove the reliability of the sensing operation. For example, output ofthe two detectors may be used to detect a pulse wave of fluid (e.g.,blood) as it passes beneath the respective detectors. Having two sensorreadings taken at different locations along the pulse wave may allow thedevice to compensate for noise created by, for example, movement of theuser, stray light, and other effects.

In some implementation, one or more of the light sources 1611-1613 andthe detector 1614 may also be used for optical data transfer with a baseor other device. For example, the detector 1614 may be configured todetect light produced by an external mating device, which may beinterpreted or translated into a digital signal. Similarly, one or moreof the light sources 1611-1613 may be configured to transmit light thatmay be interpreted or translated into a digital signal by an externaldevice.

Returning to FIG. 16, the device 100 may also include one or moreelectrodes to measure electrical properties of the user's body. In thisexample, a first electrode 1601 and second electrode 1602 are disposedon the rear face of the device 100. The first 1601 and second 1602electrodes may be configured to make contact with the skin of the user'swrist when the device is being worn. As shown in FIG. 16, a thirdelectrode 1603 and fourth electrode 1604 may be disposed along aperiphery of the device body 610. In the configuration of FIG. 16, thethird 1603 and fourth 1604 electrodes are configured to come intocontact with the skin of the user's other hand (that is not wearing thedevice 100). For example, the third 1603 and fourth 1604 electrodes maybe contacted when the user pinches the device 100 between two digits(e.g., a forefinger and thumb).

FIG. 16 depicts one example arrangement of electrodes. However, in otherembodiments, one or more of the electrodes may be placed in locationsthat are different than the configuration of FIG. 16. For example, oneor more electrodes may be placed on a top surface or other surface ofthe device 100. Additionally, fewer electrodes or more electrodes may beused to contact the user's skin, depending on the configuration.

Using the electrodes of the device, various electrical measurements maybe taken, which may be used to compute a health metric or otherhealth-related information. By way of example, the electrodes may beused to detect electrical activity of the user's body. In some cases,the electrodes may be configured to detect electrical activity producedby the heart of the user to measure heart function or produce anelectrocardiograph (ECG). As another example, the electrodes of thedevice may be used to detect and measure conductance of the body. Insome cases, the measured conductance may be used to compute a galvanicskin response (GSR), which may be indicative of the user's emotionalstate or other physiological condition. By way of further example, theelectrodes may also be configured to measure other healthcharacteristics, including, for example, a body fat estimate, body orblood hydration, and blood pressure.

In some embodiments, the optical sensors and electrodes discussed abovewith respect to FIG. 16 may be operatively coupled to sensing circuitryand the processing units 102 to define a health monitoring system. Inthis capacity, the processing units 102 may be any suitable type ofprocessing device. In one embodiment, the processing units 102 include adigital signal processor. The processing units 102 may receive signalsfrom the optical sensor(s) and/or electrodes and process the signals tocorrelate the signal values with a physiological parameter of the user.As one example, the processing units 102 can apply one or moredemodulation operations to the signals received from the optical sensor.Additionally, the processing units 102 may control the modulation (i.e.,turning on and off) of the light sources according to a given modulationpattern or sequence. The processing units 102 may also be used tocalculate one or more biometrics or other heath related information.

In some implementations, the wearable electronic device may also receivesensor data or output from an external device. For example, an externalmobile device having a global positioning system (GPS) may relaylocation information to the wearable device, which may be used tocalibrate an activity metric, such as a pedometer or distancecalculator. Similarly, sensor output of the wearable electronic devicemay be transmitted to an external device to compute health-relatedinformation. For example, output from an accelerometer in the wearableelectronic device may be used determine a body position or gesture,which may be relayed to an external device and used to computehealth-related information, such as activity level.

In some embodiments, some or all of the biosensors may be integratedinto a module that is separate from and attached to the housing 601 ofthe device 100. As described above with respect to FIG. 6, in someembodiments, the biosensors are disposed relative to or attached to arear cover 608 that is formed from an optically transparent material andis configured to be positioned with the opening of the housing 601. Insome embodiments, the rear cover 608 is disposed completely within thearea of the cover so that the two components completely overlap whenviewed from above. In some embodiments, the rear cover 608 has an edgethat protrudes outwardly from the back surface of the housing 601. Insome embodiments, an edge of the rear cover 608 extends past a flatportion of the back surface of the housing 601. The rear cover 608 mayalso have a convex, curved outer contour. The rear cover 608 may have aconvex shape that is located within the center and surrounded by theedges of the rear cover 608. The convex curved area of the rear cover608 may include one or more windows or apertures that provideoperational access to one or more internal components located within thehousing. For example, the rear cover 608 may include an array ofwindows, each window including an aperture or opening for a respectivelight source 1611-1613 and/or the detector 1614. In some embodiments,the windows have a curvature that matches the curvature of the convexcurved area of the rear cover 608. In some embodiments, rear cover 608includes a chamfered edge and a curved bottom surface, the windows beingdisposed within the curved surface. In some embodiments, two openings ofthe rear cover 608 are located along a first axis (e.g., an x-axis) andtwo openings are located along a second axis (e.g., a y-axis) that istransverse to the first axis.

5. Example Wireless Communications with External Devices

A wearable electronic device may include a functionality for performingwireless communications with an external device. For the purposes of thefollowing description, the described device 100 is one example of thatshown and discussed above with respect to FIGS. 2-7. However, certainfeatures of the device 100, including the external surface geometry, maybe simplified or vary with respect to aspects of the device 100discussed above.

In some embodiments, the wireless communications are performed inaccordance with a Near Field Communications (NFC) protocol. Thecommunication may include an identification protocol and a secured dataconnection that can be used to identify the user, authorize activity,perform transactions, or conduct other aspects of electronic commerce.

FIG. 17 depicts an example system 1700 including a device 100 that islocated proximate to a station 1710. The station 1710 may include avariety of devices, including, without limitation, a payment kiosk, avending machine, a security access point, a terminal device, or othersimilar device. In some cases, the station 1710 is incorporated into alarger system or device. For example, the station 1710 may beincorporated into a security gate of a building or a payment center fora vending system.

As shown in FIG. 17, the device 100 is a wearable electronic device thatmay be placed proximate to the station 1710. In this example, a seconddevice 1720 is carried by a user, and may also be placed proximate tothe station 1710. In some embodiments, the device 100 and/or the seconddevice 1720 includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) system thatis configured to enable one-way or two-way radio-frequency (RF)communications with the station 1710. The one- or two-way communicationmay include an identification of the device 100 and the station 1710 toinitiate a secured data connection between the two devices. The secureddata connection may be used to authorize a transaction between the userand an entity that is associated with the station 1710.

In some embodiments, the user may initiate a communication with thestation 1710 by placing the device 100 near an active region on thestation 1710. In some implementations, the station 1710 is configured toautomatically detect the presence of the device 100 and initiate anidentification process or routine. The RFID system of the device mayinclude a unique identifier or signature that may be used toauthenticate the identity of the user. As previously mentioned, theidentification process or routine may be used to establish a secure dataconnection between the device 100 and the station 1710. The secure dataconnection may be used to authorize a purchase or download of data to orfrom the device 100. In some cases, the secure data connection may beused to authorize the transfer of funds from a credit card or financialinstitution in exchange for a product that is associated with thestation 1710. Other transactions or forms of electronic commerce mayalso be performed using the wireless communication between the device100 and the station 1710.

6. Example Wireless Power System

As discussed above, a wearable electronic device may include an internalbattery that is rechargeable using an external power source. For thepurposes of the following description, the described device 100 is oneexample of that shown and discussed above with respect to FIGS. 2-7.However, certain features of the device 100, including the externalsurface geometry, may be simplified or vary with respect to aspects ofthe device 100 discussed above.

One challenge associated with small devices is that it may be difficultto incorporate an electrical port for coupling the device to an externalpower source. Because wearable electronic devices have limited space foran external connector, it may be advantageous to electrically couple toa device without a cable or external connector. In at least someembodiments, the wearable electronic device described herein may beconfigured to operate as a receiver in a wireless power transfer system.

A wireless power transfer system, one example of which is an inductivepower transfer system, typically includes a power-transmitting structureto transmit power and a power-receiving structure to receive power. Insome examples, a power-receiving electronic device includes or otherwiseincorporates an inductive power-receiving element configured to receivewireless power and/or charge one or more internal batteries. Similarly,a charging device may include or otherwise incorporate an indicativepower-transmitting element configured to wirelessly transmit power tothe power-receiving electronic device. The charging device may beconfigured as a base or dock on which the power-receiving electronicdevice rests or to which it physically connects in some embodiments. Inother embodiments, the charging device may be proximate the electronicdevice but not necessarily touching or physically coupled.

In many examples, the battery-powered electronic device may bepositioned on an external surface of the power-transmitting device,otherwise referred to as a dock. In these systems, an electromagneticcoil within the dock (e.g., transmit coil) may produce a time-varyingelectromagnetic flux to induce a current within an electromagnetic coilwithin the electronic device (e.g., receive coil). In many examples, thetransmit coil may transmit power at a selected frequency or band offrequencies. In one example the transmit frequency is substantiallyfixed, although this is not required. For example, the transmitfrequency may be adjusted to improve inductive power transfer efficiencyfor particular operational conditions. More particularly, a hightransmit frequency may be selected if more power is required by theelectronic device and a low transmit frequency may be selected if lesspower is required by the electronic device. In other examples, atransmit coil may produce a static electromagnetic field and mayphysically move, shift, or otherwise change its position to produce aspatially-varying electromagnetic flux to induce a current within thereceive coil.

The electronic device may use the received current to replenish thecharge of a rechargeable battery or to provide power to operatingcomponents associated with the electronic device. Thus, when theelectronic device is positioned on the dock, the dock may wirelesslytransmit power at a particular frequency via the transmit coil to thereceive coil of the electronic device.

A transmit coil and receive coil may be disposed respectively withinhousings of the dock and electronic device so as to align along a mutualaxis when the electronic device is placed on the dock. If misaligned,the power transfer efficiency between the transmit coil and the receivecoil may decrease as misalignment increases. Accordingly, in manyexamples, the wireless power transfer system may include one or morealignment assistance features to effect alignment of the transmit andreceive coils along the mutual axis.

FIG. 18 depicts a front perspective view of an example wireless powertransfer system 1800 in an unmated configuration. The illustratedembodiment shows an inductive power transmitter dock 1802 that isconfigured to couple to and wirelessly transmit power to an inductivepower receiver accessory, in this case device 100. The wireless powertransfer system 1800 may include one or more alignment assistancefeatures to effect alignment of the device 100 with the dock 1802 alonga mutual axis. For example, the housings of the dock 1802 and the device100 may assist with alignment. In one implementation, a portion of thehousing of the device 100 may engage and/or interlock with a portion ofthe housing of the dock 1802 in order to effect the desired alignment.In some embodiments, a bottom portion of the device 100 may besubstantially convex and a top surface of the dock 1802 may besubstantially concave. In other examples, the interfacing surfaces ofthe dock 1802 and the device 100 may be substantially flat, or mayinclude one or more additional housing features to assist with effectingmutual alignment.

In some embodiments, one or more actuators in the dock 1802 and/ordevice 100 can be used to align the transmitter and receiver devices. Inyet another example, alignment assistance features, such as protrusionsand corresponding indentations in the housings of the transmitter andreceiver devices, may be used to align the transmitter and receiverdevices. The design or configuration of the interface surfaces, one ormore alignment assistance mechanisms, and one or more alignment featurescan be used individually or in various combinations thereof.

Alignment assistance can also be provided with one or more magneticfield sources. For example, a permanent magnet within the dock 1802 mayattract a permanent magnet within the device 100. In another example, apermanent magnet within the device 100 may be attracted by a magneticfield produced by the dock 1802. In further examples, multiple alignmentassistance features may cooperate to effect alignment of the transmitand receive coils. Power transfer efficiency may also decrease if thepower consumption of the electronic device changes (e.g., the electronicdevice transitions from a trickle charge mode to constant current chargemode) during wireless power transfer.

As discussed previously with respect to FIG. 2, the device 100 mayinclude a processor coupled with or in communication with a memory, oneor more communication interfaces, output devices such as displays andspeakers, and one or more input devices such as buttons, dials,microphones, or touch-based interfaces. The communication interface(s)can provide electronic communications between the communications deviceand any external communication network, device or platform, such as, butnot limited to, wireless interfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, Near FieldCommunication interfaces, infrared interfaces, USB interfaces, Wi-Fiinterfaces, TCP/IP interfaces, network communications interfaces, or anyconventional communication interfaces. The device 100 may provideinformation regarding time, health, statuses or externally connected orcommunicating devices and/or software executing on such devices,messages, video, operating commands, and so forth (and may receive anyof the foregoing from an external device), in addition tocommunications.

In the example depicted in FIG. 18, the dock 1802 may be connected to anexternal power source, such as an alternating current power outlet, bypower cord 1808. In other embodiments, the dock 1802 may be batteryoperated. In still further examples, the dock 1802 may include a powercord 1808 in addition to an internal or external battery. Similarly,although the embodiment is shown with the power cord 1808 coupled to thehousing of the dock 1802, the power cord 1808 may be connected by anysuitable means. For example, the power cord 1808 may be removable andmay include a connector that is sized to fit within an aperture orreceptacle opened within the housing of the dock 1802.

Although the device 100 is shown in FIG. 18 as larger than the dock1802, the depicted scale may not be representative of all embodiments.For example, in some embodiments the dock 1802 may be larger than thedevice 100. In still further embodiments the two may be substantiallythe same size and shape. In other embodiments, the dock 1802 and device100 may take separate shapes.

FIG. 19 depicts a simplified block diagram of relevant aspects of thedevice 100 and dock 1802. It may be appreciated that certain componentsof both the dock 1802 and device 100 are omitted from the figure forclarity. Likewise, the positions of the elements that are shown aremeant to be illustrative rather than necessarily portraying a particularsize, shape, scale, position, orientation, or relation to one another,although some embodiments may have elements with one or more of suchfactors as illustrated.

As described previously with respect to FIG. 2, the device 100 mayinclude one or more electronic components located within the housing601. For clarity, some of the components and modules described ordepicted in various embodiments are omitted from the depiction of FIG.19. As shown in FIG. 19, the device 100 may include an internal battery114 that may be used to provide power to the various internal componentsof the device 100. As described previously, the internal battery 114 maybe rechargeable by an external power supply. In the present example, theinternal battery 114 is operably connected to a receive coil 1869 viapower conditioning circuit 1810.

In the present example, the device 100 includes a receive coil 1869having one or more windings for inductively coupling with a transmitcoil 1832 of the dock 1802. The receive coil 1869 may receive powerwirelessly from the dock 1802 and may pass the received power to abattery 114 within the device 100 via power conditioning circuit 1810.The power conditioning circuit 1810 may be configured to convert thealternating current received by the receive coil 1869 into directcurrent power for use by other components of the device. In one example,the processing units 102 may direct the power, via one or more routingcircuits, to perform or coordinate one or more functions of the device100 typically powered by the battery 114.

As shown in FIG. 19, the dock 1802 includes a transmit coil 1832 havingone or more windings. The transmit coil 1832 may transmit power to thedevice 100 via electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance. In manyembodiments, the transmit coil 1832 may be shielded with a shieldelement that may be disposed or formed around portions of the transmitcoil 1832. Similarly, the receive coil 1869 may also include a shieldelement that may be disposed or formed around a portion of the receivecoil 1869.

As shown in FIG. 19, the dock 1802 also includes a processor 1834 thatmay be used to control the operation of or coordinate one or morefunctions of the dock 1802. In some embodiments, the dock 1802 may alsoinclude one or more sensors 1836 to determine whether the device 100 ispresent and ready to receive transmitted power from the dock 1802. Forexample, the dock 1802 may include an optical sensor, such as aninfrared proximity sensor. When the device 100 is placed on the dock1802, the infrared proximity sensor may produce a signal that theprocessor 1834 uses to determine the presence of the device 100. Theprocessor 1834 may, optionally, use another method or structure toverify the presence of the electronic device via sensor 1836. Examplesof different sensors that may be suitable to detect or verify thepresence of device 100 may include a mass sensor, a mechanicalinterlock, switch, button or the like, a Hall effect sensor, or otherelectronic sensor. Continuing the example, after the optical sensorreports that the device 100 may be present, the processor 1834 mayactivate a communication channel to attempt to communicate with thedevice 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, a bottom surface of the housing of the device100 may partially contact a top surface of the dock housing. In someimplementations, the interfacing surfaces of the device 100 and the dock1802 may be formed with complementary geometries. For example, asdepicted in FIG. 19, the bottom surface of the device 100 is convex andthe top surface of the dock 1802 is concave, following the samecurvature as the bottom surface of the device 100. In this manner, thecomplementary geometries may facilitate alignment of the electronicdevice and dock for efficient wireless power transfer.

In some embodiments, the dock 1802 and device 100 may include otheralignment assistance features. For example the device 100 may include analignment magnet 1838 which is positioned and oriented to attract acorresponding alignment magnet 1840 within the dock 1802. In some cases,when the device 100 is positioned proximate the dock 1802, the alignmentmagnets 1838, 1840 may be mutually attracted, thereby affectingalignment of the portable electronic device 100 and the dock 1802 alonga mutual axis. In other examples, the dock 1802 may include aferromagnetic material in place of the alignment magnet 1840. In theseexamples, the alignment magnet 1838 may be attracted to theferromagnetic material. In still further cases, the receive coil 1869 ortransmit coil 1832 may produce a static magnetic field that eitherattracts or repels either or both of the alignment magnets 1838, 1840.

As shown in FIG. 19, the alignment magnets 1838, 1840 may be positionedwithin a respective coil 1869, 1832. When the alignment magnets 1838,1840 are drawn together, the coils 1869, 1832 may be placed intoalignment. Additionally, the complementary geometries of the device 100and the dock 1802 may further facilitate alignment when the alignmentmagnets 1838, 1840 are drawn together.

7. Example Acoustic Module

As described above, the device may include one or more devices fortransmitting and receiving acoustic energy. For the purposes of thefollowing description of the acoustic module, the described device 100is one example of that shown and discussed above with respect to FIGS.2-7. However, certain features of the device 100, including the externalsurface geometry, may be simplified or vary with respect to aspects ofthe device 100 discussed above. As previously discussed, in someembodiments, the device may include a speaker for transmitting acousticenergy and/or a microphone for receiving acoustic energy. For thepurposes of the following description, a speaker device and a microphoneare referred to generically as an acoustic module, which may beconfigured to transmit and/or receive acoustic energy depending on theparticular implementation.

FIG. 20 depicts a simplified schematic cross-sectional view of a firstembodiment of a device having an acoustic module 2006. Therepresentation depicted in FIG. 20 is not drawn to scale and may omitsome elements for clarity. The acoustic module 2006 may represent eithera portion of a speaker and/or microphone device described above withrespect to the electronic device 100 of FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 20, an acoustic port 2020 may be formed in the housing601 of the electronic device. In the present example, the acoustic port2020 includes first and second orifices 2031, 2032 that are formed inthe housing 601 and acoustically couple the acoustic cavity 2011 of theacoustic module 2006 to the external environment (external to theelectronic device). In the present embodiment, the first and secondorifices 2031, 2032 are offset with respect to the opening of theacoustic cavity 2011. This configuration may help reduce the directingress of liquid 2001 into acoustic cavity 2011 of the acoustic module2006 Also, as shown in FIG. 20 a shield 2021 or umbrella structure thatis formed between the orifices 2031, 2032 blocks the direct ingress ofliquid 2001 into the acoustic cavity 2011. As shown in FIG. 20, theacoustic module 2006 also includes a screen element 2015 disposed at oneend of the acoustic cavity 2011, which may also prevent the ingress ofliquid or other foreign debris into the acoustic cavity 2011. Theacoustic module 2006 also includes a seal 2016 disposed between thehousing 601 and the connector element 2012 of the module, which may alsobe configured to prevent the ingress of water into the device and/ormodule.

In the present example depicted in FIG. 20, the acoustic module 2006 maycorrespond to the speaker 122 described with respect to someembodiments. As shown in FIG. 20, the acoustic module 2006 includesvarious components for producing and transmitting sound, including adiaphragm 2010, a voice coil 2009, a center magnet 2008, and sidemagnets/coils 2007. These components may cooperate to form a speakeracoustic element. In one implementation, the diaphragm 2010 isconfigured to produce sound waves or an acoustic signal in response to astimulus signal in the center magnet 2008. For example, a modulatedstimulus signal in the center magnet 2008 causes movement of the voicecoil 2009, which is coupled to the diaphragm 2010. Movement of thediaphragm 2010 creates the sound waves, which propagate through theacoustic cavity 2011 of acoustic module 2006 and eventually out theacoustic port 2020 to a region external to the device. In some cases,the acoustic cavity 2011 functions as an acoustical resonator having ashape and size that is configured to amplify and/or dampen sound wavesproduced by movement of the diaphragm 2010.

As shown in FIG. 20, the acoustic module 2006 also includes a yoke 2014,support 2013, connector element 2012, and a cavity wall 2017. Theseelements provide the physical support of the speaker elements.Additionally, the connector element 2012 and the cavity wall 2017together form at least part of the acoustic cavity 2011. The specificstructural configuration of FIG. 20 is not intended to be limiting. Forexample, in alternative embodiments, the acoustic cavity may be formedfrom additional components or may be formed from a single component.

The acoustic module 2006 depicted in FIG. 20 is provided as one exampleof a type of speaker acoustic module. In other alternativeimplementations, the acoustic module may include different acousticelements for producing and transmitting sound, including, for example, avibrating membrane, piezoelectric transducer, vibrating ribbon, or thelike. Additionally, in other alternative implementations, the acousticmodule may be a microphone acoustic module having one or more elementsfor converting acoustic energy into an electrical impulse. For example,the acoustic module may alternatively include a piezoelectric microphoneacoustic element for producing a charge in response to acoustic energyor sound.

As previously mentioned, because the acoustic port 2020 connects theacoustic module 2006 to the external environment, there is a possibilitythat liquid may accumulate or infiltrate the interior of the module. Insome cases, the screen element 2015 or other protective features may notprevent all liquid from entering the acoustic cavity 2011 of the module.For example, if the device is subjected to a liquid under pressure or adirected stream of liquid, some liquid ingress may occur. Additionally,naturally occurring moisture in the air may condense and accumulate overtime resulting in the presence of liquid within the module. Thus, insome implementations, the acoustic module 2006 may include one or moreelements configured to expel water or liquid that accumulates in, forexample, the acoustic cavity 2011 of the module. The liquid expulsionprocess may include modifying the charge on a portion of the wall of theacoustic cavity 2011 to change the surface energy of the wall and/orproducing an acoustic pulse using the diaphragm 2010 to help expelliquid from the acoustic cavity 2011. In some embodiments, the screen2015 may also have hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties that mayfacilitate removal of liquid held within the acoustic cavity 2011.

8. Example Antenna and Cover

As previously described, a wearable electronic device may be configuredto communicate wirelessly with various external devices andcommunication networks. For the purposes of the following description,the described device 100 is one example of that shown and discussedabove with respect to FIGS. 2-7. However, certain features of the device100, including the external surface geometry, may be simplified or varywith respect to aspects of the device 100 discussed above.

In some embodiments, as previously discussed with respect to FIG. 2, thedevice may include one or more communication channels that areconfigured to transmit and receive data and/or signals over a wirelesscommunications network or interface. Example wireless interfaces includeradio frequency cellular interfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, Wi-Fiinterfaces, or any other known communication interface.

In some implementations an antenna may be disposed with respect to thecover (e.g., crystal) of a device to facilitate wireless communicationswith an external device or communication network. In some cases, it maybe advantageous to integrate an antenna into the cover to improve thetransmission and reception of wireless signals from the device. Inparticular, the cover of the device may have dielectric properties thatfacilitate the transmission of radio frequency signals while alsoprotecting the antenna from physical damage or interference.Additionally, if the antenna is integrated into a perimeter portion ofthe cover, the visual appearance or clarity of the cover may beminimized. Furthermore, the embodiments described below with respect toFIGS. 21A-B may be used to integrate an antenna external to the housing,without increasing the thickness of the device body.

FIG. 21A depicts a perspective exploded view of a cover 2100 and anantenna assembly 2130. The cover 2100 depicted in FIG. 21A is viewedfrom an inner surface 2124 that is configured to attach to or interfacewith the opening of the housing (described above with respect to FIG.1). As shown in FIG. 21A, a groove 2128 may be formed within the innersurface 2124. In this example, the groove 2128 is formed around theperiphery of the cover 2100. As mentioned previously, this may beadvantageous in minimizing the visual impact of having the antennaassembly 2130 located within the cover 2100.

As shown in FIG. 21A the antenna assembly 2130 includes an antenna ring2134 and a terminal 2140 which may interface with an electricalconnector 2150. In the present embodiment, the groove 2128 formed in thesurface of the cover 2100 may be configured to accept the antenna ring2134. In particular, the groove 2128 may receive the entire antenna ring2134 without a portion of the antenna ring 2134 protruding past theinner surface 2124, when the antenna ring 2134 is installed. In somecases, the groove 2128 is formed to be a clearance or near clearance fitwith the diameter of the antenna ring 2134. Thus, in some cases, theantenna ring 2134 may substantially fill the groove 2128 when the ringis installed. In some cases, the groove 2128 may be configured to retainthe antenna ring 2134 due to a slight interference fit or due to afeature formed within either the cover 2100 and/or the antenna assembly2130. In the present embodiment, the antenna assembly 2130 may beinstalled in the cover 2100 and then connected to other electronics viathe terminal 2140 and the connector 2150, which may protrude into anopening in the case or housing.

FIG. 21B depicts a cross-sectional view of the cover and antenna at theconnection point. In particular, FIG. 21B depicts a detailcross-sectional view of the cover 2100 installed within the housing 601at a region near the terminal 2140. In this example, the cover 2100 isattached to a shelf of the housing 601 via a compressible element 2122.The compressible element 2122 may provide a seal against water or othercontaminates and also provide compliance between the cover 2100 and thehousing 601. The compressible element 2122 may be formed from a nitrileor silicone rubber and may also include an adhesive or other bondingagent.

As shown in FIG. 21B, the antenna ring 2134 is disposed entirely withinthe groove 2128. In this case, the antenna ring 2134 does not protrudepast the inner surface 2124. The antenna ring 2134 is electricallyconnected to the terminal 2140, which protrudes into an opening in thehousing 601. As shown in FIG. 21B, the terminal 2140 includes conductivepads 2142 for electrically connecting to the antenna ring 2134. In thisexample, spring clips 2152 are configured to mechanically andelectrically connect to the conductive pads 2142 on the terminal 2140.One advantage to the configuration depicted in FIG. 21B is that theantenna assembly 2130 may be installed in the cover 2100 before thecover 2100 is installed in the housing 601. The terminal 2140 andconnector 2150 facilitate a blind connection that may assist electricalconnection as the cover 2100 is installed. Additionally, theconfiguration depicted in FIG. 21B may allow for some movement betweenthe cover 2100 and the housing 601 without disturbing the electricalconnection with the antenna ring 2134.

9. Example Haptic Module

As described above, the device may include one or more haptic modulesfor providing haptic feedback to the user. The embodiments describedherein may relate to or take the form of durable and thin hapticfeedback elements suitable to provide a perceivable single pulse hapticfeedback. In general, a haptic device may be configured to produce amechanical movement or vibration that may be transmitted through thehousing and/or other component of the device. In some cases, themovement or vibration may be transmitted to the skin of the user andperceived as a stimulus or haptic feedback by the user. In someimplementations, the haptic feedback may be coupled to one or moredevice outputs to alert the user of an event or activity. For example, ahaptic output may be produced in combination with an audio outputproduced by the speaker, and/or a visual output produced using thedisplay.

The space constraints associated with a small wrist-worn device maypresent unique challenges to integrating a haptic mechanism intowearable electronics. In particular, a haptic mechanism may use a movingmass used to create the movement or vibration of the haptic output. Thelarger the mass that is moved, the easier it may be to create aperceivable stimulus using the haptic mechanism. However, a large movingmass and the supporting mechanism may be difficult to integrate into thecompact space of, for example, the housing of a wearable electronicwristwatch.

Thus, the haptic module implemented in some embodiments may beconfigured to maximize the mechanical energy that is produced in a verycompact form factor. FIGS. 22A-B depict one example haptic mechanismthat may be particularly well suited for use in a wearable electronicdevice. While the embodiment described with respect to FIGS. 22A-B isprovided as one example, the haptic module is not limited to thisparticular configuration.

FIG. 22A depicts a three-quarters perspective view of a haptic device112, with a top, front and left sidewall of the housing 2220 removed toexpose internal components. FIG. 22B depicts a cross-sectionalperspective view of the haptic device 112 cut in half to expose theinternal components. In this example, a coil 2200 is used to inducemovement of a frame 2260, which houses a central magnet array 2210. Asshown in FIGS. 22A-B, the movement of the frame 2260 is guided by ashaft 2250 that is fixed with respect to a housing 2220.

In the present example, the coil 2200 may be energized by transmitting acurrent (e.g., from the battery) along a length of a wire that forms thecoil 2200. A direction of the current along the wire of the coil 2200determines a direction of a magnetic field that emanates from the coil2200. In turn, the direction of the magnetic field determines adirection of movement of the frame 2260 housing the central magnet array2210. One or more springs may bias the frame 2260 towards the middleregion of the travel. In this example, the frame 2260 and central magnetarray 2210, through operation of the coil 2200, function as a movingmass, which generates a tap or vibration. The output of the hapticdevice 112, created by the moving mass of the frame 2260 and centralmagnet array 2210, may be perceived as a haptic feedback or stimulus tothe user wearing the device.

For example, when the coil 2200 is energized, the coil 2200 may generatea magnetic field. The opposing polarities of the magnets in the magnetarray 2210 generates a radial magnetic field that interacts with themagnetic field of the coil 2200. The Lorentz force resulting from theinteraction of the magnetic fields causes the frame 2260 to move alongthe shaft 2250 in a first direction. Reversing current flow through thecoil 2200 reverses the Lorentz force. As a result, the magnetic field orforce on the central magnet array 2210 is also reversed and the frame2260 may move in a second direction. Thus, frame 2260 may move in bothdirections along the shaft 2250, depending on the direction of currentflow through the coil 2200.

As shown in FIG. 22A, the coil 2200 encircles the central magnet array2210, which is disposed near the center of the frame 2260. As previouslydescribed, the coil 2200 may be energized by transmitting a currentalong the length of the wire forming the coil 2200, and the direction ofthe current flow determines the direction of the magnetic flux emanatingfrom the coil 2200 in response to the current. Passing an alternatingcurrent through the coil 2200 may cause the central magnet array 2210(and frame 2260) to move back and forth along a shaft 2250. In order toprevent the central magnet array 2210 from being attracted to the shaft2250, which could increase friction between the two and thereby increasethe force necessary to move the central magnet array 2210 and frame2260, the shaft 2250 may be formed from a non-ferrous material such astungsten, titanium, stainless steel, or the like.

As depicted in FIGS. 22A-B, the coil 2200 is positioned within a frame2260 that holds the central magnet array 2210, but is not affixed to thecoil 2200. Rather, an air gap separates the coil 2200 from the centralmagnet array 2210 and the frame 2260 is free to move with respect to thecoil 2200, which is generally stationary. Further, the frame 2260generally moves with the central magnet array 2210. As illustrated inFIGS. 22A-B, the frame 2260 may have an aperture formed therein ofsufficient size to contain the coil 2200. Even when the frame andcentral magnet array are maximally displaced within the housing 2220(e.g., to one end or the other of the shaft 2250), the coil 2200 doesnot contact any portion of the frame 2260. It should be appreciated thatthe coil 2200 remains stationary in the housing 2220 while the frame2260 and central magnet array 2210 move, although in other embodimentsthe coil 2200 may move instead of, or in addition to, the frame and/orcentral magnet array. However, by keeping the coil 2200 stationary, itmay be easier to provide interconnections for the coil, such as betweenthe coil and the flex, and therefore reduce the complexity ofmanufacture.

As shown in FIGS. 22A-B, the central magnet array 2210 may be formedfrom at least two magnets 2211, 2212 of opposing polarities. A centerinterface 2270 may be formed from a ferrous or non-ferrous material,depending on the embodiment. A ferrous material for the center interface2270 may enhance the overall magnetic field generated by the centralmagnet array 2210, while a non-ferrous material may provide at least aportion of a return path for magnetic flux and thus assist in localizingthe flux within the housing 2220. In some embodiments, the magnets 2211,2212 are formed from neodymium while the frame is tungsten. Thiscombination may provide a strong magnetic field and a dense mass,thereby yielding a high weight per volume structure that may be used asthe moving part of the haptic device 112.

10. Example Crown Module

As described above, the device may include a crown that may be used toaccept user input to the device. For the purposes of the followingdescription, the described device 100 is one example of that shown anddiscussed above with respect to FIGS. 2-7. However, certain features ofthe device 100, including the external surface geometry, may besimplified or vary with respect to aspects of the device 100 discussedabove.

In some embodiments, a crown may be used to accept rotary input from theuser, which may be used to control aspects of the device. The crown maybe knurled or otherwise textured to improve grip with the user's fingerand/or thumb. In some embodiments, a crown may be turned by the user toscroll a display or select from a range of values. In other embodiments,the crown may be rotated to move a cursor or other type of selectionmechanism from a first displayed location to a second displayed locationin order to select an icon or move the selection mechanism betweenvarious icons that are output on the display. In a time keepingapplication, the crown may also be used to adjust the position of watchhands or index digits displayed on the display of the device. The crownmay also be used to control the volume of a speaker, the brightness ofthe display screen, or control other hardware settings.

In some embodiments, the crown may also be configured to accept linear,as well as rotary, input. For example, the crown may be configured totranslate along an axis when pressed or pulled by the user. In somecases, the linear actuation may be used as additional user input. Theactuation may provide a binary output (actuated/not actuated) or mayalso provide a non-binary output that corresponds to the amount oftranslation along the axis of motion. In some instances, the linearinput to the crown may be combined with the rotary input to control anaspect of the device.

The embodiments described herein may be used for at least a portion ofthe crown module integrated into a wearable electronic device. Theembodiments are provided as examples and may not include all of thecomponents or elements used in a particular implementation.Additionally, the crown module is not intended to be limited to thespecific examples described below and may vary in some aspects dependingon the implementation.

In some embodiments, an optical encoder may be used to detect therotational motion of the crown. More specifically, the example providedbelow with respect to FIG. 23 may use an optical encoder to detectrotational movement, rotational direction and/or rotational speed of acomponent of the electronic device. Once the rotational movement,rotational direction and/or rotational speed have been determined, thisinformation may be used to output or change information and images thatare presented on a display or user interface of the electronic device.

Integrating an optical encoder into the space constraints of a typicalwearable electronic device may be particularly challenging.Specifically, some traditional encoder configurations may be too largeor delicate for use in a portable electronic device. The optical encoderdescribed below may provide certain advantages over some traditionalencoder configurations and may be particularly well suited for use witha crown module of a wearable electronic device.

As shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 23, the optical encoder ofthe present disclosure includes a light source 2370, a photodiode array2380, and a shaft 2360. However, unlike typical optical encoders, theoptical encoder of the present disclosure utilizes an encoding patterndisposed directly on the shaft 2360. For example, the encoding patternincludes a number of light and dark markings or stripes that are axiallydisposed along the shaft 2360. Each stripe or combination of stripes onthe shaft 2360 may be used to identify a position of the shaft 2360. Forexample, as light is emitted from the light source 2370 and reflectedoff of the shaft 2360 into the photodiode array 2380, a position,rotation, rotation direction and rotation speed of the shaft 2360 may bedetermined. Once the rotation direction and speed are determined, thisinformation may be used to output or change information or images thatare presented on the display or user interface of the electronic device.

In other embodiments, the shape or form of the shaft of the encoder maybe used to determine a position, rotation, rotation direction androtation speed of the shaft. For example, the shaft may be fluted orhave a number of channels that cause the light to be reflected in anumber of different directions. Accordingly, a diffractive pattern maybe used to determine the rotation, rotation direction and rotation speedof the shaft.

FIG. 23 illustrates a simplified depiction of the device 100 and crownmodule 642 in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 23, thecrown module 642 may be integrated with the housing 601 of the device100 and may be formed from a dial 2340 disposed at the end of a shaft2360. In the present embodiment, the crown module 642 also forms part ofthe optical encoder. As discussed above, the crown module 642 includesan optical encoder that includes a shaft 2360, a light source 2370, anda photodiode array 2380. Although a photodiode array is specificallymentioned, embodiments disclosed herein may use various types of sensorsthat are arranged in various configurations for detecting the movementdescribed herein. For example, the movement of the shaft 2360 may bedetected by an image sensor, a light sensor such as a CMOS light sensoror imager, a photovoltaic cell or system, photo resistive component, alaser scanner and the like.

The optical encoder may produce an encoder output that is used todetermine positional data of the crown module 642. In particular, theoptical encoder may produce an output that is used to detect thatmovement of the dial 2340 including the direction of the movement, speedof the movement and so on. The movement may be rotational movement,translational movement, angular movement, and so on. The optical encodermay also be used to detect the degree of the change of rotation of thedial 2340 and/or the angle of rotation of the dial 2340 as well as thespeed and the direction of the rotation of the dial 2340.

The signals or output of the optical encoder may be used to controlvarious aspects of other components or modules of the device. Forexample, continuing with the time keeping application example discussedabove, the dial 2340 may be rotated in a clockwise manner in order toadvance the displayed time forward. In one implementation, the opticalencoder may be used to detect the rotational movement of the dial 2340,the direction of the movement, and the speed at which the dial 2340 isbeing rotated. Using the output from the optical encoder, the displayedhands of a time keeping application may rotate or otherwise move inaccordance with the user-provided rotational input.

Referring back to FIG. 23, the crown module 642 may be formed from dial2340 that is coupled to the shaft 2360. In some cases, the shaft 2360and dial 2340 may be formed as a single piece. As the shaft 2360 iscoupled to, or is otherwise a part of the dial 2340, as the dial 2340rotates or moves in a particular direction and at a particular speed,the shaft 2360 also rotates or moves in the same direction and with thesame speed.

As shown in FIG. 23, the shaft 2360 of the optical encoder includes anencoding pattern 2365. As discussed above, the encoding pattern 2365 maybe used to determine positional information about the shaft 2360including rotational movement, angular displacement and movement speed.As shown in FIG. 23, the encoding pattern 2365 may include a pluralityof light and dark stripes.

Although light stripes and dark stripes are specifically mentioned andshown, the encoding pattern 2365 may consist of various types of stripeshaving various shades or colors that provide surface contrasts. Forexample, the encoding pattern 2365 may include a stripe or marking thathas a high reflective surface and another stripe that has a lowreflective surface regardless of the color or shading of the stripes ormarkings. In another embodiment, a first stripe of the encoding pattern2365 may cause specular reflection while a second stripe of the encodingpattern 2365 may cause diffuse reflection. When the reflected light isreceived by the photodiode array 2380, a determination may be made as tothe position and movement of the shaft such as described below. Inembodiments where a holographic or diffractive pattern is used, thelight from the light source 2370 may diffract from the shaft 2360. Basedon the diffracted light, the photodiode array 2380 may determine theposition, movement and direction of movement of the shaft 2360.

In some embodiments, the stripes of the encoding pattern 2365 extendaxially along the shaft 2360. The stripes may extend along the entirelength of the shaft 2360 or partially along a length of the shaft 2360.In addition, the encoding pattern 2365 may also be disposed around theentire circumference of the shaft 2360. In other embodiments, theencoding pattern 2365 may include a radial component. In yet otherembodiments, the encoding pattern 2365 may have both a radial componentand an axial component.

In some embodiments, the crown module may also include a tactile switchfor accepting translational input from the user. FIGS. 24A-B depictanother example of a crown module 642 a having a tactile switch assembly2410. As shown in FIG. 24A, the tactile switch assembly 2410 may includea dial 2448 (or button), a coupling 2418, a shear plate 2456, and atactile switch 2414.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 24A-B, the dial 2448 is translatableand/or rotatable relative to the housing. The ability of the dial 2448to translate and rotate relative to the housing allows a user to providea rotational force and/or translating force to the tactile switchassembly. In particular, the dial 2448 of the present example may beoperably coupled to or form part of an optical encoder, in accordancewith the example described above with respect to FIG. 23.

In the present example, the dial 2448 includes an outer surface 2432that is configured to receive a rotary or rotational user input and astem 2450 that extends from an interior surface 2434 of the dial 2448.The stem 2450 may define a coupling aperture that extends longitudinallyalong a length or a portion of a length of the stem 2450. In thedepicted example, the stem 2450 may be hollow or partially hollow.

In the example depicted in FIGS. 24A-B, the coupling 2418 may be alinkage, such as a shaft, that couples the dial 2448 to the tactileswitch 2414. The coupling 2418 may be integrally formed with the dial2448 or may be a separate component operably connected thereto. Forexample, the stem 2450 of the dial 2448 may form the coupling memberthat is integrally formed with the dial 2448. The coupling 2418 may bemade of a conductive material, such as one or more metals or metalalloys. Due to the conductive characteristics, the coupling 2418 mayfurther act to electrically couple the dial 2448 to the tactile switch2414 and shear plate 2456. In the example depicted in FIGS. 24A-B, theshear plate 2456 is positioned between the coupling 2418 and the tactileswitch 2414. In some embodiments, the shear plate 2456 may prevent orreduce shearing forces from the coupling from being transmitted to thetactile switch. The shear plate 2456 also allows transfer of linearforce input from the dial 2448 to the switch 2414.

The configuration depicted in FIGS. 24A-B may be used to accept bothrotational and translational input from the user. For example, if a userprovides a rotational force to the dial 2448, the coupling 2418 and dial2448 may rotate in the direction of the force. The coupling 2418 may beattached to or integrated with one or more sensors that are configuredto detect rotational movement. For example the coupling 2418 may beintegrated with an optical encoder, similar to the example describedabove with respect to FIG. 23. Additionally, if a user provides atranslational force to the dial 2448, the force may be transmittedthrough the dial 2448 and coupling 2418 to actuate the switch 2414. Insome cases, the switch 2414 includes a metal dome switch that isconfigured to provide a tactile feedback when actuated. In some cases,the actuation of a dome switch may be perceived by the user as a clickor release as the switch 2414 is actuated. Once the force has beenremoved from the dial 2448, the dome switch resiliently returns to itsoriginal position, providing a biasing force against the coupling 2418to return both the dial 2448 and the coupling 2418 to their originalpositions. In some embodiments, the tactile switch 2414 may include aseparate biasing element, such as a spring, that exerts a force (eitherdirectly or indirectly via the shear plate) against the coupling. FIG.24A depicts the tactile switch assembly 2410 when there is no forceapplied (un-actuated). FIG. 24B depicts the tactile switch assembly 2410when there is a translational force applied to the dial 2448 (actuated).

11. Example Band Attachment Mechanism

For the purposes of the following description, the described device 100is one example of that shown and discussed above with respect to FIGS.2-7. However, certain features of the device 100, including the externalsurface geometry, may be simplified or vary with respect to aspects ofthe device 100 discussed above.

As described above, a wearable electronic device may include a band thatis attached to a device body having one or more receiving features. Inparticular, the housing may include or form a receiving feature thatfacilitates an interchange or replacement of different bands that areused to secure the device to the wrist of the user. By replacing orinterchanging bands the device may be adapted for multiple uses rangingfrom sporting activities to professional or social activities.

In some embodiments, the receiving features are configured to beoperated without the use of special tools or fixtures. For example, thebands may be interchanged by hand or with the help of a simple tool,such as a pointed object. Additionally or alternatively, a tool or othercomponent, such as a component of the device to which the attachmentsystem is coupled, may be configured to actuate a button or othercomponent of the attachment system to secure and/or release the bandfrom the device. In one embodiment, the lug portion of a band may beconfigured to be inserted into an opening or channel portion of thereceiving feature. Once the lug of the band has been inserted into theopening, the lug may slide within the opening of the device until theband is secured or otherwise coupled to the device. The coupling betweenthe band and the receiving feature may provide a secure attachment ofthe band to the housing or device body. Just as the band is configuredto slide into the channel of the receiving feature, the lug may alsoslide out of the channel of the receiving feature allowing the band tobe detached from the device body.

In one embodiment, the receiving feature includes a locking mechanism,which may be integrated with portions of either the band or thereceiving feature. In one example, as the band is inserted into areceiving feature of the device, the locking mechanism interfaces with aportion of the receiving feature to lock or otherwise secure the bandwithin the receiving feature. The locking mechanism may also beconfigured to interface with a releasing mechanism associated with thereceiving feature. For example, a releasing mechanism may be configuredto disengage or release the locking mechanism. In some implementations.actuation of the releasing mechanism causes the locking mechanism to bereleased and allows the band to be removed by sliding within thereceiving feature.

FIG. 25A depicts a receiving feature and band assembly as viewed fromthe bottom of the device body. As shown in FIG. 25A, a receiving feature623 a includes an opening or channel 2501 that is formed into the bodyor housing of the device. The channel 2501 is configured to receive thelug 2510 attached to an end of the band strap 621 a. The receivingfeature 623 a may also include a locking mechanism 2530 that isconfigured to maintain the band strap 621 a within the channel 2501 onceit has been installed. As discussed above, the locking mechanism 2530may be releasable by the user, which may facilitate band replacement. Inthis example, the locking mechanism 2530 includes a spring-loadedretaining mechanism that engages the lug 2510 to retain the lug 2510 inthe channel 2501 and maintain the attachment of the band strap 621 a tothe device. As shown in FIG. 25A, the locking mechanism 2530 alsoincludes a button located on the bottom of the housing that may bedepressed by the user to release the locking mechanism and allow the lug2510 and the band strap 621 a to be removed from the channel 2501. Inthe present example, the button of the locking mechanism 2530 is locatedon a curved portion of the case or housing. In some embodiments, thebutton of the locking mechanism 2530 is located along the centerline ofthe case or housing.

In some embodiments, the opening or channel 2501 of the receivingfeature 623 a includes a port or connector for receiving a matingelectrical component. In some embodiments, the connector or port iscovered by a label or sticker so that the inside surface of the openingor channel 2501 appears continuous. The connector or port may be locatedalong the vertical centerline of the case or housing.

FIG. 25B depicts an example exploded view of the receiving feature 623 aand the lug 2510 of the band strap 621 a. As shown in FIG. 25B, the bandstrap 621 a may be formed from a separate part and attached to lug 2510via a pivot or other type of joint. In other embodiments, the band strap621 a may have an end feature that is integrally formed as part of theband strap 621 a. As also shown in FIG. 25B, the lug 2510 may beattached to the receiving feature 623 a by aligning the axis of the lug2510 with the axis of the channel 2501 and then sliding the lug 2510into the channel 2501.

FIG. 25C depicts an example assembly sequence of the lug 2510 beinginserted into the channel 2501 of the receiving feature 623 a. As shownin FIG. 25C, the lug 2510 may be positioned along the side of thereceiving feature 623 a having the lug 2510 approximately aligned withthe channel 2501 of the receiving feature 623 a. The lug 2510 (and bandstrap 621 a) may then be inserted into the channel 2501 of the receivingfeature 623 a by sliding the lug 2510 along the length of the channel2501. Once the lug 2510 is approximately centered in the channel 2501 ofthe receiving feature 623 a, the locking mechanism 2530 or othersecuring feature may engage, thereby retaining the lug 2510 (and bandstrap 621 a) within the channel 2501. As previously discussed, the lug2510 (and band strap 621 a) may be removed from the receiving feature623 a by depressing the button of the locking mechanism 2530, which maydisengage the lock and allow movement of the lug 2510 within the channel2501.

The example described above is provided with respect to one exampleembodiment. The geometry of the end of the band strap and/or thegeometry of the channel may vary depending on the implementation.Additionally, the engagement mechanism may vary depending on the designof the band strap and the device body. The geometry or layout of thefeatures may vary and remain within the scope of the present disclosure.Additionally, while the examples provided above are described withrespect to attaching a band strap to a device body, the receivingfeature (623 a) may be used to attach a variety of other parts to thedevice body. For example a lanyard, cable, or other accessory may beattached to the device body using the receiving feature and othersimilar features.

12. Example Bands

As described above, a wearable electronic device may include a band thatis used to secure the device to the wrist of a user. In someembodiments, the band may be formed from two band straps that areattached to the housing of the device body. The band straps may besecured around the wrist of a user by a clasp or latching mechanism. Asalso described above, the device may be configured to facilitatereplacement of the band. This feature may allow the use of a variety oftypes of bands, which may adapt the device for multiple uses rangingfrom sporting activities to professional or social activities.

In some cases, the band may be formed from a woven textile material. Inone example, the band is formed from a woven material that includes oneor more strands or threads formed from a natural or synthetic material.The woven material may be formed, for example, from a plurality of warpthreads that are woven around one or more weft threads. Morespecifically, the woven material may include a plurality of warp threadsdisposed along the length of the band, and at least one weft threadpositioned perpendicular to, and coupled to, woven or interlaced betweenthe plurality of warp threads. In some cases, the plurality of warpthreads may run the entire length of the woven portion of the bandstrap. Additionally, in some cases, the at least one weft thread mayinclude a single thread that may be continuously woven between theplurality of warp threads or, alternatively, may include a plurality ofthreads that may be woven between the plurality of warp threads. A weftthread that is woven between a plurality of warp threads may formconsecutive cross-layers with respect to the plurality warp threads inorder to form the band.

In some cases, one or more of the strands or threads may be a metallicor conductive material. This may improve the strength of the band andmay also facilitate coupling with magnetic elements, such as a metallicclasp. In some cases, other elements may be woven into the band,including, for example, product identifying elements, decorativeelements, or functional components.

In other embodiments, the band may be formed from a metallic meshmaterial. In one example, the metallic mesh is formed from an array oflinks that are interlocked to form a sheet of fabric. Some or all of thelinks in the mesh may be formed from a ferromagnetic material, which mayfacilitate magnetic engagement with a magnetic clasp. In some cases,each link of the mesh is formed from a section of metallic filament thatis bent or formed into a closed shape. Each closed shape may beinterlocked with one or more adjacent links to form a portion of thesheet or fabric. In some cases, a metallic filament is formed around aseries of rods or pins that are disposed at a regular spacing within themesh. In some cases, one or more strands or filaments that may be formedfrom a ferromagnetic material are woven or integrated with the links ofthe mesh.

In other examples, the band may be formed from a sheet of material. Forexample, the band may be formed from a synthetic leather, leather, orother animal hide. Additionally or alternatively, the band may be formedfrom a polymer material, an elastomer material, or other type of plasticor synthetic. In some cases, the band is formed from a silicone sheetmaterial.

The clasp that is used to attach the free ends of the band straps mayvary depending on the material that is used and the construction of theband. For example, as mentioned above, a metallic mesh material may usea metallic clasp to join the ends of the band. Additionally, a leatherband may be integrated with magnetic and/or ferromagnetic components andmay include a magnetic clasp. In some embodiments, the free ends of theband straps are secured using a buckle or tang on a first band strapthat is configured to interface with a hole or aperture in a second bandstrap. A variety of other clasp configurations may also be used.

13. Example Display

For the purposes of the following description, the described device 100is one example of that shown and discussed above with respect to FIGS.2-7. However, certain features of the device 100, including the externalsurface geometry, may be simplified or vary with respect to aspects ofthe device 100 discussed above. As described above, the device includesa display disposed within the housing or enclosure. The device may beformed from a liquid crystal display (LCD), organic light emitting diode(OLED) display, organic electroluminescence (OEL) display, or other typeof display device. The display may be used to present visual informationto the user, including, for example, a graphical user interface,notifications, health statistics, and the like. In some cases, thedisplay may be configured to present the current time and date similarto a traditional watch or timepiece.

In some embodiments, the display is formed from an organic lightemitting diode (OLED) display element. An active region of the displaymay include an array of light-emitting display pixels 2604 such as array2602, shown in FIG. 26. Pixels 2604 may be arranged in rows and columnsin array 2602 and may be controlled using a pattern of control lines.Each pixel may include a light-emitting element such as organiclight-emitting diode 2612 and associated control circuitry 2610. Controlcircuitry 2610 may be coupled to the data lines 2606 and gate lines 2608so that control signals may be received from driver circuitry, which maybe implemented as an integrated circuit. Although described as an OLEDdisplay, certain embodiments may implement other display technology,such as LCD displays and the like.

To the extent that multiple functionalities, operations, and structuresare disclosed as being part of, incorporated into, or performed bydevice 100, it should be understood that various embodiments may omitany or all such described functionalities, operations, and structures.Thus, different embodiments of the device 100 may have some, none, orall of the various capabilities, apparatuses, physical features, modes,and operating parameters discussed herein

Although the disclosure above is described in terms of various exemplaryembodiments and implementations, it should be understood that thevarious features, aspects and functionality described in one or more ofthe individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to theparticular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can beapplied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the otherembodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments aredescribed and whether or not such features are presented as being a partof a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the presentinvention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplaryembodiments but instead defined by the claims herein presented.

1. A wearable electronic device, comprising: a housing comprising: aflat bottom portion; a top portion defining a cavity; and a curved sideportion that extends from the bottom portion to the top portion; a bandattached to the housing and configured to secure the wearable electronicdevice to a user; a display at least partially disposed within thecavity and having a viewable area; and a cover disposed above thedisplay and comprising: a flat middle portion larger than the viewablearea of the display; and a curved edge portion surrounding the flatmiddle portion and coinciding with the curved side portion along aperimeter of the cavity to form a continuous contoured surface.
 2. Thewearable electronic device of claim 1, wherein: the continuous contouredsurface is tangent with the flat bottom portion of the housing at afirst end of the contour; and the continuous contoured surface istangent with the flat middle portion of the cover at a second end of thecontour.
 3. The wearable electronic device of claim 2, wherein thecontinuous contoured surface has a constant radius.
 4. The wearableelectronic device of claim 1, wherein the cavity has a rectangularshape; the curved edge portion of the housing has four sides thatsurround the cavity; each side is orthogonal to two adjacent sides; andeach side is connected to an adjacent side by a rounded corner.
 5. Thewearable electronic device of claim 4, wherein: the rounded corners havea curvature that corresponds to a curvature of the continuous contouredsurface formed by the curved edge portion of the cover and the curvedside portion of the housing.
 6. The wearable electronic device of claim1, further comprising: a crown module positioned at least partiallywithin an aperture formed within the curved side portion of the housing;wherein: the crown module comprises an outer surface configured toreceive a rotary user input.
 7. The wearable electronic device of claim6, wherein: the crown module is offset with respect to a centerline ofthe housing between the top portion and the flat bottom portion; and theoffset is toward the top portion of the housing; and the crown moduleincludes a dial having a portion that is higher than an interfacebetween the cover and the housing.
 8. The wearable electronic device ofclaim 1, further comprising: a port formed in the curved side portion ofthe housing; an acoustic module disposed within the housing andconfigured to produce an audio output through the port, the acousticmodule comprising: an acoustic element; and an acoustic cavity thatacoustically couples the acoustic element to the port; wherein: the portincludes an orifice that is offset with respect to the acoustic cavityto prevent the direct ingress of liquid into the acoustic module.
 9. Thewearable electronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a gasketpositioned between the housing and the cover; and a ledge formed along aperimeter of the cavity, wherein: the gasket is positioned along theledge that is formed along the perimeter of the cavity; and the gasket,the cover, and the housing are configured to cooperate to form asubstantially water-proof seal.
 10. The wearable electronic device ofclaim 1, further comprising: a biosensor module disposed in an openingformed in the flat bottom portion of the housing, the biosensor modulecomprising: a chassis positioned in the opening of the housing anddefining an array of windows; an array of light sources attached to thechassis and configured to emit light into the user through the array ofwindows; and an optically transparent rear cover disposed over thechassis and over the array of windows and operative to pass lightemitted from the array of light sources into the user.
 11. The wearableelectronic device of claim 10, wherein the rear cover has a convex outercontour.
 12. An electronic device, comprising: a housing comprising abottom portion defining an opening; a band attached to the housing andconfigured to secure the electronic device to a user; a biosensor moduledisposed within the opening; a rear cover disposed over the biosensormodule and comprising an edge protruding outwardly from the bottomportion of the housing; and an outer surface having a convex curvedcontour.
 13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein: the outersurface of the rear cover defines one or more windows that provideoperational access to one or more optical components of the biosensormodule; and the one or more windows have a curvature that matches theconvex curved contour of the outer surface.
 14. The electronic device ofclaim 12, wherein the biosensor module comprises: an array of lightsources configured to emit light into a body of the user; and aphotodetector configured to receive light produced by a light source ofthe array of light sources that is reflected from the body and produce asensor signal.
 15. The electronic device of claim 14, furthercomprising: a processing unit configured to compute a health metricassociated with the user based on the sensor signal; and a displaydisposed within the housing and configured to display the health metric16. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the biosensor module isremovably coupled to the housing.
 17. A wearable electronic device,comprising: a housing comprising: a top portion; a cavity formed withinthe top portion; and a curved side portion that surrounds the cavity;and a transparent cover disposed over the cavity of the housing andcomprising: a flat middle portion at a center of the transparent cover;a curved outer portion that emanates from and surrounds the flat middleportion and extends outwardly to an edge of the transparent cover; and amask positioned relative to an internal surface of the transparentcover, wherein the mask has an outer boundary located proximate to theedge of the transparent cover and an inner boundary located within thecurved outer portion of the transparent cover.
 18. The wearableelectronic device of claim 17, further comprising: a display disposedbelow the transparent cover, wherein a perimeter portion of a viewablearea of the display is disposed below the mask.
 19. The wearableelectronic device of claim 17, wherein the device further comprises: anantenna having a shape that corresponds to a shape of the cavity formedwithin the housing, wherein: the antenna is disposed in a groove formedin the internal surface of the transparent cover; and the groove isformed between the outer boundary and the inner boundary of the mask.20. The wearable electronic device of claim 19, wherein: the cover isformed from a sapphire material; and the antenna is configured tofacilitate wireless communication between the wearable electronic deviceand an external device. 21-34. (canceled)